To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah.
Perhaps this psalm was composed by David, when the unnatural rebellion of Absalom had forced him from the sanctuary of God, and to take up his lodging eastward of Jordan, 2 Sam. 15:13-19. We have in it, (1.) Ardent longings after nearness to, and familiar intimacy with God, in his public ordinances and sanctuary, ver. 1-2. (2.) Mournful lamentations and bitter groanings on account of God's withdrawing his comfortable smiles; of the want of the once-enjoyed ordinances of God, and fellowship with his saints; of the depressing impressions of God's wrath; and of his enemies' insolent upbraiding of him on account of the departure and distance of his God, ver. 3-4, 6-7, 9-10. (3.) Believing remembrance of God's former favours, ver. 6; and self-encouraging hopes of future ones, ver. 5, 8, 11.
Have I experimentally understood all these things? My soul, let me charge thee to beware of dissimulation with God, and of compassing him about with lies, under pretence of praising him. Dare not to sing these lines without inward, without ardent longings for the Lord; without earnest claiming of him as thy own God, upon the foundation of his new-covenant grant of himself to me in the gospel; without assured hopes of his future, his everlasting kindness to me-ward.
1 Like as the hart for water-brooks
in thirst doth pant and bray;
So pants my longing soul, O God,
that come to thee I may.
2 My soul for God, the living God,
doth thirst: when shall I near
Unto thy countenance approach,
and in God's sight appear?
3 My tears have unto me been meat,
both in the night and day,
While unto me continually,
Where is thy God? they say.
4 My soul is poured out in me,
when this I think upon;
Because that with the multitude
I heretofore had gone:
With them into God's house I went,
with voice of joy and praise;
Yea, with the multitude that kept
the solemn holy days.
5 O why art thou cast down, my soul?
why in me so dismay'd?
Trust God, for I shall praise him yet,
his count'nance is mine aid.
6 My God, my soul's cast down in me;
thee therefore mind I will
From Jordan's land, the Hermonites,
and ev'n from Mizar hill.
7 At the noise of thy water-spouts
deep unto deep doth call;
Thy breaking waves pass over me,
yea, and thy billows all.
8 His loving-kindness yet the Lord
command will in the day,
His song's with me by night; to God,
by whom I live, I'll pray:
9 And I will say to God my rock,
Why me forgett'st thou so?
Why, for my foes' oppression,
thus mourning do I go?
10 'Tis as a sword within my bones,
when my foes me upbraid;
Ev'n when by them, Where is thy God?
'tis daily to me said.
11 O why art thou cast down, my soul?
why, thus with grief opprest,
Art thou disquieted in me?
in God still hope and rest:
For yet I know I shall him praise,
who graciously to me
The health is of my countenance,
yea, mine own God is he.
This psalm was probably composed on the same occasion as the former; and contains, (1.) David's strong cries to his God, for help against, and deliverance from, his ungodly, unjust, and crafty oppressors, ver. 1-2. (2.) His earnest longings to be restored to the enjoyment of his God in his public ordinances, ver. 3-4. (3.) His inward disquiets composed by believing claims, of God as his God, and firm dependence on his promises, ver. 5.
While I sing, let my soul be deeply affected with the injuries I daily receive from Satan and my own lusts. Let my heart and flesh cry out for God, the living God, as my God, and mine exceeding joy. And let me still all the tumults of my heart with this That he is my God and my all; my God that doth me save.
1 Judge me, O God, and plead my cause
against th' ungodly nation;
From the unjust and crafty man,
O be thou my salvation.
2 For thou the God art of my strength;
why thrusts thou me thee fro'?
For th' enemy's oppression
why do I mourning go?
3 O send thy light forth and thy truth;
let them be guides to me,
And bring me to thine holy hill,
ev'n where thy dwellings be.
4 Then will I to God's altar go,
to God my chiefest joy:
Yea, God, my God, thy name to praise
my harp I will employ.
5 Why art thou then cast down, my soul?
what should discourage thee?
And why with vexing thoughts art thou
disquieted in me?
Still trust in God; for him to praise
good cause I yet shall have:
He of my count'nance is the health,
my God that doth me save.
To the chief Musician
for the sons of Korah, Maschil.
This psalm was perhaps composed on the same occasion as the 60th, and may have a prophetic view to the after distresses of the Jews in the time of Rehoboam, 2 Chron. 12; of Jehoram, 2 Chron. 21; of Ahaz, 2 Chron. 28; of Hezekiah, 2 Kings 18-19; and during the Chaldean captivity, Syro-Grecian oppression, etc.; and all these as typical of the distresses of the gospel church under heathens and Anti-Christians. It relates chiefly to the church, and contains, (1.) Thankful acknowledgments of what the Lord had done for her in former periods, as her God, her king, her joy, her praise, ver. 1-8. (2.) Sorrowful complaints of divine desertion; and of the prevalent power, cruelty, and derisive contempt of enemies, ver. 9-16. (3.) Solemn protestation of continued integrity, and of constant adherence to the Lord's way, amidst these manifold calamities, ver. 17-22. (4.) Strong cries, with supplications and tears to God, for his merciful appearance for and granting her relief, ver. 23-26.
In singing this, let me rejoice with them that rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Let me rejoice in what the Lord hath wrought for his people, in any former period; and in all their afflictions let me be afflicted. Let me give the Lord no rest, till he make his church a joy in the whole earth.
1 O God, we with our ears have heard,
our fathers have us told,
What works thou in their days hadst done,
ev'n in the days of old.
2 Thy hand did drive the heathen out,
and plant them in their place;
Thou didst afflict the nations,
but them thou didst increase.
3 For neither got their sword the land,
nor did their arm them save;
But thy right hand, arm, countenance;
for thou them favour gave.
4 Thou art my King: for Jacob, Lord,
deliv'rances command.
5 Through thee we shall push down our foes,
that do against us stand:
We, through thy name, shall tread down those
that ris'n against us have.
6 For in my bow I shall not trust,
nor shall my sword me save.
7 But from our foes thou hast us sav'd,
our haters put to shame.
8 In God we all the day do boast,
and ever praise thy name.
9 But now we are cast off by thee,
and us thou putt'st to shame;
And when our armies do go forth,
thou go'st not with the same.
10 Thou mak'st us from the enemy,
faint-hearted, to turn back;
And they who hate us for themselves
our spoils away do take.
11 Like sheep for meat thou gavest us;
'mong heathen cast we be.
12 Thou didst for nought thy people sell;
their price enrich'd not thee.
13 Thou mak'st us a reproach to be
unto our neighbours near;
Derision and a scorn to them
that round about us are.
14 A by-word also thou dost us
among the heathen make;
The people, in contempt and spite,
at us their heads do shake.
15 Before me my confusion
continually abides;
And of my bashful countenance
the shame me ever hides:
16 For voice of him that doth reproach,
and speaketh blasphemy;
By reason of th' avenging foe,
and cruel enemy.
17 All this is come on us, yet we
have not forgotten thee;
Nor falsely in thy covenant
behav'd ourselves have we.
18 Back from thy way our heart not turn'd;
our steps no straying made;
19 Though us thou brak'st in dragons' place,
and cover'dst with death's shade.
20 If we God's name forgot, or stretch'd
to a strange god our hands,
21 Shall not God search this out? for he
heart's secrets understands.
22 Yea, for thy sake we're kill'd all day,
counted as slaughter-sheep.
23 Rise, Lord, cast us not ever off;
awake, why dost thou sleep?
24 O wherefore hidest thou thy face?
forgett'st our cause distress'd,
25 And our oppression? For our soul
is to the dust down press'd:
Our belly also on the earth
fast cleaving, hold doth take.
26 Rise for our help, and us redeem,
ev'n for thy mercies' sake.
To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim,
for the sons of Korah, Maschil, A Song of loves.
In this song of loves, are celebrated, (1.) The glories of Jesus our Redeemer, particularly the transcendant comeliness and blessedness of his person, God-man; his almighty power in conquering his people, and destroying his enemies; the eternity, firmness, and equity of his government: his royal unction with the Holy Ghost above measure; his fitness for his work, and the splendour of his court, ver. 1-9. (2.) The glories of the redeemed; their listening to Jesus' proposals of marriage union with himself; their renunciation of all others for his sake; their reverential submission to, and worship of him, ver. 10-11; their glorious ornaments of righteousness and grace; and their glorious entrance into the new covenant, and the eternal state, ver. 12-15; their glorious succession and work, for perpetuating the fame of the Redeemer, ver. 16-17.
In singing this song of the Lamb, let me with open face behold his glory, and be changed into the same image from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord. Let my admiration of his excellency swell to the brim, and my love burn with a most vehement flame; and let my hopes of being for ever with him, be strong and lively. Let my heart be all wonder at his excellency, fulness, and grace all subjection to his government and laws; and let my lips be filled with his praise and honour all the day.
First Version (C.M.)
1 My heart brings forth a goodly thing;
my words that I indite
Concern the King: my tongue's a pen
of one that swift doth write.
2 Thou fairer art than sons of men:
into thy lips is store
Of grace infus'd; God therefore thee
hath bless'd for evermore.
3 O thou that art the mighty One,
thy sword gird on thy thigh;
Ev'n with thy glory excellent,
and with thy majesty.
4 For meekness, truth, and righteousness,
in state ride prosp'rously;
And thy right hand shall thee instruct
in things that fearful be.
5 Thine arrows sharply pierce the heart
of th' en'mies of the King;
And under thy subjection
the people down do bring.
6 For ever and for ever is,
O God, thy throne of might;
The sceptre of thy kingdom is
a sceptre that is right.
7 Thou lovest right, and hatest ill;
for God, thy God, most high,
Above thy fellows hath with th' oil
of joy anointed thee.
8 Of aloes, myrrh, and cassia,
a smell thy garments had,
Out of the iv'ry palaces,
whereby they made thee glad.
9 Among thy women honourable
kings' daughters were at hand:
Upon thy right hand did the queen
in gold of Ophir stand.
10 O daughter, hearken and regard,
and do thine ear incline;
Likewise forget thy father's house,
and people that are thine.
11 Then of the King desir'd shall be
thy beauty veh'mently:
Because he is thy Lord, do thou
him worship rev'rently.
12 The daughter there of Tyre shall be
with gifts and off 'rings great:
Those of the people that are rich
thy favour shall entreat.
13 Behold, the daughter of the King
all glorious is within;
And with embroideries of gold
her garments wrought have been.
14 She shall be brought unto the King
in robes with needle wrought;
Her fellow-virgins following
shall unto thee be brought.
15 They shall be brought with gladness great,
and mirth on ev'ry side,
Into the palace of the King,
and there they shall abide.
16 Instead of those thy fathers dear,
thy children thou may'st take,
And in all places of the earth
them noble princes make.
17 Thy name remember'd I will make
through ages all to be:
The people therefore evermore
shall praises give to thee.
Second Version (S.M.)
1 My heart inditing is
good matter in a song:
I speak the things that I have made,
which to the King belong:
My tongue shall be as quick,
his honour to indite,
As is the pen of any scribe
that useth fast to write.
2 Thou'rt fairest of all men;
grace in thy lips doth flow:
And therefore blessings evermore
on thee doth God bestow.
3 Thy sword gird on thy thigh,
thou that art most of might:
Appear in dreadful majesty,
and in thy glory bright.
4 For meekness, truth, and right,
ride prosp'rously in state;
And thy right hand shall teach to thee
things terrible and great.
5 Thy shafts shall pierce their hearts
that foes are to the King;
Whereby into subjection
the people thou shalt bring.
6 Thy royal seat, O Lord,
for ever shall remain:
The sceptre of thy kingdom doth
all righteousness maintain.
7 Thou lov'st right, and hat'st ill;
for God, thy God, most high,
Above thy fellows hath with th' oil
of joy anointed thee.
8 Of myrrh and spices sweet
a smell thy garments had,
Out of the iv'ry palaces,
whereby they made thee glad.
9 And in thy glorious train
kings' daughters waiting stand;
And thy fair queen, in Ophir gold,
doth stand at thy right hand.
10 O daughter, take good heed,
incline, and give good ear;
Thou must forget thy kindred all,
and father's house most dear.
11 Thy beauty to the King
shall then delightful be:
And do thou humbly worship him,
because thy Lord is he.
12 The daughter then of Tyre
there with a gift shall be,
And all the wealthy of the land
shall make their suit to thee.
13 The daughter of the King
all glorious is within;
And with embroideries of gold
her garments wrought have been.
14 She cometh to the King
in robes with needle wrought;
The virgins that do follow her
shall unto thee be brought.
15 They shall be brought with joy,
and mirth on ev'ry side,
Into the palace of the King,
and there they shall abide.
16 And in thy fathers' stead,
thy children thou may'st take,
And in all places of the earth
them noble princes make.
17 I will shew forth thy name
to generations all:
Therefore the people evermore
to thee give praises shall.
To the chief Musician, for the sons of Korah,
A Song upon Alomoth.
In this psalm, probably composed for celebrating some remarkable victory, we have, (1.) Bold triumphs of faith in God himself, and the mercies of the new covenant, amidst the most alarming danger and distress which can be supposed, ver. 1-6. (2.) A thankful rehearsal of the great things which God had wrought for the deliverance of his people, and the destruction of their enemies, ver. 6-9. (3.) God's heart-composing promise of promoting his own glory in every providence; and faith's expectation of protection and safety, ver 10-11.
While I sing it, come my soul, encourage thyself in Jehovah as thy God, and thy all. Come drink abundantly out of Jesus' heart-gladdening river of life his word, his blood, his Spirit, his fulness, his love! And holding fast the beginning of thy confidence unto the end, always give thanks.
1 God is our refuge and our strength,
in straits a present aid;
2 Therefore, although the earth remove,
we will not be afraid:
Though hills amidst the seas be cast;
3 Though waters roaring make,
And troubled be; yea, though the hills,
by swelling seas do shake.
4 A river is, whose streams do glad
the city of our God;
The holy place, wherein the Lord
most high hath his abode.
5 God in the midst of her doth dwell;
nothing shall her remove:
The Lord to her an helper will,
and that right early, prove.
6 The heathen rag'd tumultuously,
the kingdoms moved were:
The Lord God uttered his voice,
the earth did melt for fear.
7 The Lord of hosts upon our side
doth constantly remain:
The God of Jacob's our refuge,
us safely to maintain.
8 Come, and behold what wondrous works
have by the Lord been wrought;
Come, see what desolations
he on the earth hath brought.
9 Unto the ends of all the earth
wars into peace he turns:
The bow he breaks, the spear he cuts,
in fire the chariot burns.
10 Be still, and know that I am God;
among the heathen I
Will be exalted; I on earth
will be exalted high.
11 Our God, who is the Lord of hosts,
is still upon our side;
The God of Jacob our refuge
for ever will abide.
To the chief Musician,
A Psalm for the sons of Korah.
This psalm was probably composed on the same occasion as the 24th. Here is, (1.) A revenue of praise demanded for God, from all people, Jews and Gentiles, ver. 1, 6. (2.) A memorial of the grounds of praise, viz. the majesty of God's nature, ver. 2; the great things he had done, or would do for his people, in subduing their foes, and providing portions for themselves; and in ascending to heaven, to receive gifts, and prepare places for men, ver. 3-5; as also the high sovereignty and universal extent of his government, ver. 2, 7-9.
While my lips utter this song, let all my inward powers labour in viewing, in loving, in admiring, in extolling my great, my glorious, my ascended, my all-governing, all-doing, and all -giving Lord, Jesus Christ.
1 All people, clap your hands; to God
with voice of triumph shout:
2 For dreadful is the Lord most high,
great King the earth throughout.
3 The heathen people under us
he surely shall subdue;
And he shall make the nations
under our feet to bow.
4 The lot of our inheritance
chuse out for us shall he,
Of Jacob, whom he loved well,
ev'n the excellency.
5 God is with shouts gone up, the Lord
with trumpets sounding high.
6 Sing praise to God, sing praise, sing praise,
praise to our King sing ye.
7 For God is King of all the earth;
with knowledge praise express.
8 God rules the nations: God sits on
his throne of holiness.
9 The princes of the people are
assembled willingly;
Ev'n of the God of Abraham
they who the people be.
For why? the shields that do defend
the earth are only his:
They to the Lord belong; yea, he
exalted greatly is.
A Song and Psalm for the sons of Korah.
This psalm was no doubt composed to celebrate some remark able victory or deliverance, in the days of David, or Jehoshaphat, 2 Chron. 20; or of Hezekiah, 2 Kings 19. We have here, (1.) Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel, and type of the gospel church and heavenly state, celebrated for her beauty and relation to God, as the residence of his temple and ordinances, ver. 1-2. (2.) Jehovah, the God of Israel, celebrated for his kind and powerful protection of Jerusalem, and for making her enemies flee off with much precipitation and terror, ver. 3-7. (3.) The people of God, particularly in Jerusalem, meditating upon, and celebrating the gracious and mighty things, which God had, or would do for them, and for his discoveries of himself to them; and promising themselves sure and lasting happiness in his relation to, and direction of them, ver. 8-14.
While I sing these verses, let me be deeply affected with the glory, with the privileges, and chiefly with the God of the Christian church, and of the new-covenant state, and of the new Jerusalem, which is above, which is the mother, and the desired city of us all.
1 Great is the Lord, and greatly he
is to be praised still,
Within the city of our God,
upon his holy hill.
2 Mount Sion stands most beautiful,
the joy of all the land;
The city of the mighty King
on her north side doth stand.
3 The Lord within her palaces
is for a refuge known.
4 For, lo, the kings that gather'd were
together, by have gone.
5 But when they did behold the same,
they, wond'ring, would not stay;
But, being troubled at the sight,
they thence did haste away.
6 Great terror there took hold on them;
they were possess'd with fear;
Their grief came like a woman's pain,
when she a child doth bear.
7 Thou Tarshish ships with east wind break'st:
8 As we have heard it told,
So, in the city of the Lord,
our eyes did it behold;
In our God's city, which his hand
for ever stablish will.
9 We of thy loving-kindness thought,
Lord, in thy temple still.
10 O Lord, according to thy name,
through all the earth's thy praise;
And thy right hand, O Lord, is full
of righteousness always.
11 Because thy judgments are made known,
let Sion mount rejoice;
Of Judah let the daughters all
send forth a cheerful voice.
12 Walk about Sion, and go round;
the high tow'rs thereof tell:
13 Consider ye her palaces,
and mark her bulwarks well;
That ye may tell posterity.
14 For this God doth abide
Our God for evermore; he will
ev'n unto death us guide.
To the chief Musician,
A Psalm for the sons of Korah.
This psalm is a mirror calculated to exhibit the emptiness of all
worldly enjoyments. Observe, (1.) David's earnest attempt to
awaken all ranks of mankind to a serious consideration of this
matter, as a point of great importance and universal concern,
ver. 1-4. (2.) His irrefragable proofs of the vanity of earthly
enjoyments viz., that they cannot save from death either a
man's self or his friend; and that they cannot make men wise or
happy in this world, and far less render them happy in the
future state, ver. 6-14. (3.) His attempt to comfort himself and
other saints, under the sense of their daily infirmities, and of
the chastisements received on account of their sins; and against
the slavish fears of death, and temptations arising from the
prosperity of the wicked, ver. 5, 15-18.
While I sing, let me bewail my sinful minding of, and
idolatrous attachment to earthly things. Let me be henceforth
as a weaned child, setting my affections on things above, where
Christ is at the right hand of God. Let no uncertain riches or
honours, but the living God, be the object of all my trust and
joy.
1 Hear this, all people, and give ear,
all in the world that dwell;
2 Both low and high, both rich and poor.
3 My mouth shall wisdom tell:
My heart shall knowledge meditate.
4 I will incline mine ear
To parables, and on the harp
my sayings dark declare.
5 Amidst those days that evil be,
why should I, fearing, doubt?
When of my heels th' iniquity
shall compass me about.
6 Whoe'er they be that in their wealth
their confidence do pitch,
And boast themselves, because they are
become exceeding rich:
7 Yet none of these his brother can
redeem by any way;
Nor can he unto God for him
sufficient ransom pay,
8 (Their soul's redemption precious is,
and it can never be,)
9 That still he should for ever live,
and not corruption see.
10 For why? he seeth that wise men die,
and brutish fools also
Do perish; and their wealth, when dead,
to others they let go.
11 Their inward thought is, that their house
and dwelling-places shall
Stand through all ages; they their lands
by their own names do call.
12 But yet in honour shall not man
abide continually;
But passing hence, may be compar'd
unto the beasts that die.
13 Thus brutish folly plainly is
their wisdom and their way;
Yet their posterity approve
what they do fondly say.
14 Like sheep they in the grave are laid,
and death shall them devour;
And in the morning upright men
shall over them have pow'r:
Their beauty from their dwelling shall
consume within the grave.
15 But from hell's hand God will me free,
for he shall me receive.
16 Be thou not then afraid when one
enriched thou dost see,
Nor when the glory of his house
advanced is on high:
17 For he shall carry nothing hence
when death his days doth end;
Nor shall his glory after him
into the grave descend.
18 Although he his own soul did bless
whilst he on earth did live;
(And when thou to thyself dost well,
men will thee praises give;)
19 He to his fathers' race shall go,
they never shall see light.
20 Man honour'd wanting knowledge is
like beasts that perish quite.
A Psalm of Asaph.
This psalm may be considered as a rebuke to the carnal Jews who rested in, and boasted of their external ceremonies in worship, to the neglect of the weightier matters of the law mercy, judgment, and faith; or as a prediction of the coming of Christ, to abolish the ceremonial worship, eject the Jews from his church, and establish a more pure and spiritual form of worship under the gospel: or, in fine, as a representation of the last judgment; in which Christ shall come, to render to every man according to his deeds. Observe, (1.) The awful appearance of God our Redeemer, in the flesh, in power, or in the clouds; with the gathering of the people to him, ver. 1-6. (2.) An engaging admonition to improve God's new-covenant grant of himself to be our God, as an excitement to exchange legal ceremonies into prayer, thanksgiving and holy obedience; or, at least, to give a remarkable preference to the latter, ver. 7-15. (3.) A terrible charge of hypocrisy, slander, contempt of God's word, and of atheistical imaginations concerning God, laid against the wicked, with a fearful sentence of condemnation founded thereon, ver. 16-22. (4.) An alarming warning of danger to the forgetters of God, and an encouraging promise to such as study to glorify him by a holy conversation, ver. 22-23.
Sing this, my soul, with solemn awe, assisted before the great Searcher of hearts, and as by faith beholding Jesus in my nature, sitting on his great white throne, gathering the nations to his bar, opening the books, and judging mankind out of the things found written therein.
First Version (S.M.)
1 The mighty God, the Lord,
hath spoken, and did call
The earth, from rising of the sun,
to where he hath his fall.
2 From out of Sion hill,
which of excellency
And beauty the perfection is,
God shined gloriously.
3 Our God shall surely come,
keep silence shall not he:
Before him fire shall waste, great storms
shall round about him be.
4 Unto the heavens clear
he from above shall call,
And to the earth likewise, that he
may judge his people all.
5 Together let my saints
unto me gather'd be,
Those that by sacrifice have made
a covenant with me.
6 And then the heavens shall
his righteousness declare:
Because the Lord himself is he
by whom men judged are.
7 My people Isr'el hear,
speak will I from on high,
Against thee I will testify;
God, ev'n thy God, am I.
8 I for thy sacrifice
no blame will on thee lay,
Nor for burnt-off 'rings, which to me
thou offer'dst ev'ry day.
9 I'll take no calf nor goats
from house or fold of thine:
10 For beasts of forests, cattle all
on thousand hills, are mine.
11 The fowls on mountains high
are all to me well known;
Wild beasts which in the fields do lie,
ev'n they are all mine own.
12 Then, if I hungry were,
I would not tell it thee;
Because the world, and fulness all
thereof, belongs to me.
13 Will I eat flesh of bulls?
or goats' blood drink will I?
14 Thanks offer thou to God, and pay
thy vows to the most High.
15 And call upon me when
in trouble thou shalt be;
I will deliver thee, and thou
my name shalt glorify.
16 But to the wicked man
God saith, My laws and truth
Should'st thou declare? how dar'st thou take
my cov'nant in thy mouth?
17 Sith thou instruction hat'st,
which should thy ways direct;
And sith my words behind thy back
thou cast'st, and dost reject.
18 When thou a thief didst see,
with him thou didst consent;
And with the vile adulterers
partaker on thou went.
19 Thou giv'st thy mouth to ill,
thy tongue deceit doth frame;
20 Thou sitt'st, and 'gainst thy brother speak'st,
thy mother's son dost shame.
21 Because I silence kept,
while thou these things hast wrought;
That I was altogether like
thyself, hath been thy thought;
Yet I will thee reprove,
and set before thine eyes,
In order ranked, thy misdeeds
and thine iniquities.
22 Now, ye that God forget,
this carefully consider;
Lest I in pieces tear you all,
and none can you deliver.
23 Whoso doth offer praise
me glorifies; and I
Will shew him God's salvation,
that orders right his way.
Second Version (C.M.)
1 The mighty God, the Lord, hath spoke,
and call'd the earth upon,
Ev'n from the rising of the sun
unto his going down.
2 From out of Sion, his own hill,
where the perfection high
Of beauty is, from thence the Lord
hath shined gloriously.
3 Our God shall come, and shall no more
be silent, but speak out:
Before him fire shall waste, great storms
shall compass him about.
4 He to the heavens from above,
and to the earth below,
Shall call, that he his judgments may
before his people show.
5 Let all my saints together be
unto me gathered;
Those that by sacrifice with me
a covenant have made.
6 And then the heavens shall declare
his righteousness abroad:
Because the Lord himself doth come;
none else is judge but God.
7 Hear, O my people, and I'll speak;
O Israel by name,
Against thee I will testify;
God, ev'n thy God, I am.
8 I for thy sacrifices few
reprove thee never will,
Nor for burnt-off 'rings to have been
before me offer'd still.
9 I'll take no bullock nor he-goats
from house nor folds of thine:
10 For beasts of forests, cattle all
on thousand hills, are mine.
11 The fowls are all to me well known
that mountains high do yield;
And I do challenge as mine own
the wild beasts of the field.
12 If I were hungry, I would not
to thee for need complain;
For earth, and all its fulness, doth
to me of right pertain.
13 That I to eat the flesh of bulls
take pleasure dost thou think?
Or that I need, to quench my thirst,
the blood of goats to drink?
14 Nay, rather unto me, thy God,
thanksgiving offer thou:
To the most High perform thy word,
and fully pay thy vow:
15 And in the day of trouble great
see that thou call on me;
I will deliver thee, and thou
my name shalt glorify.
16 But God unto the wicked saith,
Why should'st thou mention make
Of my commands? how dar'st thou in
thy mouth my cov'nant take?
17 Sith it is so that thou dost hate
all good instruction;
And sith thou cast'st behind thy back,
and slight'st my words each one.
18 When thou a thief didst see, then straight
thou join'dst with him in sin,
And with the vile adulterers
thou hast partaker been.
19 Thy mouth to evil thou dost give,
thy tongue deceit doth frame.
20 Thou sitt'st, and 'gainst thy brother speak'st,
thy mother's son to shame.
21 These things thou wickedly hast done,
and I have silent been:
Thou thought'st that I was like thyself,
and did approve thy sin:
But I will sharply thee reprove,
and I will order right
Thy sins and thy transgressions
in presence of thy sight.
22 Consider this, and be afraid,
ye that forget the Lord,
Lest I in pieces tear you all,
when none can help afford.
23 Who off'reth praise me glorifies:
I will shew God's salvation
To him that ordereth aright
his life and conversation.
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David,
when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone into Bathsheba.
This psalm was penned by David, when reproved by Nathan for his adultery with Bathsheba, and for his murder of Uriah, 2 Sam. 12. We have in it, (1.) David's candid and truly sorrowful acknowledgments of his sin, particularly his adultery and murder, as highly dishonouring to God; and of his original sin, as the source thereof, ver. 1-5, 17. (2.) His earnest supplications for pardon of his offences, and for heart-purifying, and renewing grace; for renewed influences of the Holy Ghost; for peace of conscience, and comfortable fellowship with God, for himself, ver. 1-2, 6-15; and for reformation of, and prosperity to the church, which had been hurt by his sin, ver. 18-19. (3.) His sincere purposes of heart, to improve God's favour to himself, in promoting the instruction of others, and in giving them an honourable pattern of an exact celebration of God's public worship, ver. 13-16, 19.
While I sing this penitential psalm, let my heart be filled with clear but evangelic views of my aggravated, my unnumbered transgressions; and with deep sorrow and remorse for them. Let me pour forth supplications, strong cries and tears to him who is able to forgive all mine iniquities, and to deliver me from every corruption. Let me wash myself in Jesus' blood, as the fountain opened to men for sin and for uncleanness.
1 After thy loving-kindness, Lord,
have mercy upon me:
For thy compassions great, blot out
all mine iniquity.
2 Me cleanse from sin, and throughly wash
from mine iniquity:
3 For my transgressions I confess;
my sin I ever see.
4 'Gainst thee, thee only, have I sinn'd,
in thy sight done this ill;
That when thou speak'st thou may'st be just,
and clear in judging still.
5 Behold, I in iniquity
was form'd the womb within;
My mother also me conceiv'd
in guiltiness and sin.
6 Behold, thou in the inward parts
with truth delighted art;
And wisdom thou shalt make me know
within the hidden part.
7 Do thou with hyssop sprinkle me,
I shall be cleansed so;
Yea, wash thou me, and then I shall
be whiter than the snow.
8 Of gladness and of joyfulness
make me to hear the voice;
That so these very bones which thou
hast broken may rejoice.
9 All mine iniquities blot out,
thy face hide from my sin.
10 Create a clean heart, Lord, renew
a right sp'rit me within.
11 Cast me not from thy sight, nor take
thy Holy Sp'rit away.
12 Restore me thy salvation's joy;
with thy free Sp'rit me stay.
13 Then will I teach thy ways unto
those that transgressors be;
And those that sinners are shall then
be turned unto thee.
14 O God, of my salvation God,
me from blood-guiltiness
Set free; then shall my tongue aloud
sing of thy righteousness.
15 My closed lips, O Lord, by thee
let them be opened;
Then shall thy praises by my mouth
abroad be published.
16 For thou desir'st not sacrifice,
else would I give it thee;
Nor wilt thou with burnt-offering
at all delighted be.
17 A broken spirit is to God
a pleasing sacrifice:
A broken and a contrite heart,
Lord, thou wilt not despise.
18 Shew kindness, and do good, O Lord,
to Sion, thine own hill:
The walls of thy Jerusalem
build up of thy good will.
19 Then righteous off 'rings shall thee please,
and off 'rings burnt, which they
With whole burnt-off 'rings, and with calves,
shall on thine altar lay.
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.
This psalm relates to Doeg the Edomite, who informed Saul how Ahimelech the high priest had entertained David and his servants; and who, in consequence thereof, had murdered Ahimelech, and above fourscore other priests, 1 Sam. 22. Here, (1.) David charges Doeg that, notwithstanding the manifested and everlasting goodness of God, he gloried in his malice, craft, cruelty, and other wickedness, ver. 1-5. (2.) By the spirit of prophecy he condemns him for his wickedness, to be plucked from his dwelling, and rooted out of the land of the living, to the great joy of the fearers of God, ver. 6-7. (3.) He comforts himself in the everlasting mercy of God, and with the assured hopes that he should yet praise him for his kindness, ver, 8-9.
Learn, O my soul, to detest all deceit and cruelty. Learn to imitate the goodness of God, which endureth continually; and while friends are cut off, or foes prevail, let me live by faith on a gracious God, as my all and in all.
1 Why dost thou boast, O mighty man,
of mischief and of ill?
The goodness of Almighty God
endureth ever still.
2 Thy tongue mischievous calumnies
deviseth subtilely,
Like to a razor sharp to cut,
working deceitfully.
3 Ill more than good, and more than truth
thou lovest to speak wrong:
4 Thou lovest all-devouring words,
O thou deceitful tongue.
5 So God shall thee destroy for aye,
remove thee, pluck thee out
Quite from thy house, out of the land
of life he shall thee root.
6 The righteous shall it see, and fear,
and laugh at him they shall:
7 Lo, this the man is that did not
make God his strength at all:
But he in his abundant wealth
his confidence did place;
And he took strength unto himself
from his own wickedness.
8 But I am in the house of God
like to an olive green:
My confidence for ever hath
upon God's mercy been.
9 And I for ever will thee praise,
because thou hast done this:
I on thy name will wait; for good
before thy saints it is.
To the chief Musician upon Mahalath, Maschil,
A Psalm of David.
This psalm is much the same as the 14th. It speaks, (1.) Humbling convictions to all men, of their sinfulness of nature and practice, ver. 1-3. (2.) Fearful terrors to them who persecute and oppress the people of God, ver. 4-5. (3.) Abundant comfort, in the salvation of God to his persecuted saints, ver. 5-6.
Learn, my soul, frequently to review thy original and thy contracted filthiness. Admire the patience and mercy of God towards mankind. Trust not in man, for wherein is he to be accounted of! But in the full assurance of faith, wait patiently for God's salvation.
1 That there is not a God, the fool
doth in his heart conclude:
They are corrupt, their works are vile,
not one of them doth good.
2 The Lord upon the sons of men
from heav'n did cast his eyes,
To see if any one there was
that sought God, and was wise.
3 They altogether filthy are,
they all are backward gone;
And there is none that doeth good,
no, not so much as one.
4 These workers of iniquity,
do they not know at all,
That they my people eat as bread,
and on God do not call?
5 Ev'n there they were afraid, and stood
with trembling, all dismay'd,
Whereas there was no cause at all
why they should be afraid:
For God his bones that thee besieg'd
hath scatter'd all abroad;
Thou hast confounded them, for they
despised are of God.
6 Let Isr'el's help from Sion come:
when back the Lord shall bring
His captives, Jacob shall rejoice,
and Israel shall sing.
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?
This psalm was composed when the Ziphites, men of the same tribe with David, instigated Saul to destroy him, and directed him how to accomplish it, 1 Sam. 23-24. It contains, (1.) David's strong cries to his God, that he would save and judge him, and hear his requests, ver. 1-2. (2.) Bitter complaints of the oppression and impiety of his enemies, ver. 3. (3.) His triumphant consolation in the view of what God was to him, and would do for him, intermixed with holy resolutions to praise God for his kindness, ver. 4-7.
While Satan and my lusts, and the men of the world, unite to destroy me, let me call on God. Let me be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Let me rejoice in him, who hath delivered, who doth deliver, and in whom I trust that he will deliver me.
1 Save me, O God, by thy great name,
and judge me by thy strength:
2 My prayer hear, O God; give ear
unto my words at length.
3 For they that strangers are to me
do up against me rise;
Oppressors seek my soul, and God
set not before their eyes.
4 The Lord my God my helper is,
lo, therefore I am bold:
He taketh part with ev'ry one
that doth my soul uphold.
5 Unto mine enemies he shall
mischief and ill repay:
O for thy truth's sake cut them off,
and sweep them clean away.
6 I will a sacrifice to thee
give with free willingness;
Thy name, O Lord, because 'tis good,
with praise I will confess.
7 For he hath me delivered
from all adversities;
And his desire mine eye hath seen
upon mine enemies.
To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil,
A Psalm of David.
This psalm was probably penned by David when he fled from
Jerusalem for fear of Absalom his son, 2 Sam. 15-16. Observe,
(1.) David's earnest prayers for help and favour from God,
amidst his great oppression, griefs, and fears, ver. 1-8.
(2.) His request for the just manifestation of God's vengeance, in the
dispersion and destruction of his enemies, who, in Jerusalem,
particularly Ahithophel, had behaved in so base and treacherous
a manner, ver. 9-15. (3.) Resolved on frequent and fervent
prayer, he encourages himself and friends to trust in God for
support and deliverance, and for the speedy destruction of their
enemies, however deceitful and bloody, ver. 16-23.
While I sing, behold, my soul, as in a glass, how Jesus our
Redeemer, was hated, was betrayed, and murdered by his
brethren of Judah, at Jerusalem; and how the fearful vengeance
of the Almighty overtook them, on that account. And if I am
oppressed, defamed, or persecuted, that I know not whither to
flee; if in cities, or by particular friends, wickedness and malice
discover themselves, let me study resignation to the disposals of
Providence, and call upon God in the assured hopes that he will
answer in due time. Let me cast all my wants and burdens on
him, who is my God, that doth me save.
1 Lord, hear my pray'r, hide not thyself
from my entreating voice:
2 Attend and hear me; in my plaint
I mourn and make a noise.
3 Because of th' en'my's voice, and for
lewd men's oppression great:
On me they cast iniquity,
and they in wrath me hate.
4 Sore pain'd within me is my heart:
death's terrors on me fall.
5 On me comes trembling, fear and dread
o'erwhelmed me withal.
6 O that I, like a dove, had wings,
said I, then would I flee
Far hence, that I might find a place
where I in rest might be.
7 Lo, then far off I wander would,
and in the desert stay;
8 From windy storm and tempest I
would haste to 'scape away.
9 O Lord, on them destruction bring,
and do their tongues divide;
For in the city violence
and strife I have espy'd.
10 They day and night upon the walls
do go about it round:
There mischief is, and sorrow there
in midst of it is found.
11 Abundant wickedness there is
within her inward part;
And from her streets deceitfulness
and guile do not depart.
12 He was no foe that me reproach'd,
then that endure I could;
Nor hater that did 'gainst me boast,
from him me hide I would.
13 But thou, man, who mine equal, guide,
and mine acquaintance wast:
14 We join'd sweet counsels, to God's house
in company we past.
15 Let death upon them seize, and down
let them go quick to hell;
For wickedness doth much abound
among them where they dwell.
16 I'll call on God: God will me save.
17 I'll pray, and make a noise
At ev'ning, morning, and at noon;
and he shall hear my voice.
18 He hath my soul delivered,
that it in peace might be
From battle that against me was;
for many were with me.
19 The Lord shall hear, and them afflict,
of old who hath abode:
Because they never changes have,
therefore they fear not God.
20 'Gainst those that were at peace with him
he hath put forth his hand:
The covenant that he had made,
by breaking he profan'd.
21 More smooth than butter were his words,
while in his heart was war;
His speeches were more soft than oil,
and yet drawn swords they are.
22 Cast thou thy burden on the Lord,
and he shall thee sustain;
Yea, he shall cause the righteous man
unmoved to remain.
23 But thou, O Lord my God, those men
in justice shalt o'erthrow,
And in destruction's dungeon dark
at last shalt lay them low:
The bloody and deceitful men
shall not live half their days:
But upon thee with confidence
I will depend always.
To the chief Musician upon Jonath-elem-rechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath.
This psalm was penned by David, when the Philistines apprehended him in Gath, 1 Sam. 21:10-15. It contains, (1.) His earnest supplications to God for merciful protection, and deliverance from his enemies, who were barbarous, powerful, crafty, malicious, and restless, ver. 1-2, 5-7. (2.) His assured confidence in God, as his own God, who had spoken good concerning him, and took particular notice of his grievances, ver. 3-4, 8, 11. (3.) Firm hopes that his prayers should issue in the defeat of his enemies, and that his faith would set him above the slavish fears of men, ver. 9-11; and that, while he paid his vows to God, he should have further occasion to praise the
Lord, for what he had done, and would do for him, ver. 12-13. Thus let me, in all my straits, have recourse to God. While his promises remain infallible, let me rejoice therein, and, without anxiety, cheerfully expect their fulfillment.
1 Shew mercy, Lord, to me, for man
would swallow me outright;
He me oppresseth, while he doth
against me daily fight.
2 They daily would me swallow up
that hate me spitefully;
For they be many that do fight
against me, O most High.
3 When I'm afraid I'll trust in thee:
4 In God I'll praise his word;
I will not fear what flesh can do,
my trust is in the Lord.
5 Each day they wrest my words; their thoughts
'gainst me are all for ill.
6 They meet, they lurk, they mark my steps,
waiting my soul to kill.
7 But shall they by iniquity
escape thy judgments so?
O God, with indignation down
do thou the people throw.
8 My wand'rings all what they have been
thou know'st, their number took;
Into thy bottle put my tears:
are they not in thy book?
9 My foes shall, when I cry, turn back;
I know't, God is for me.
10 In God his word I'll praise; his word
in God shall praised be.
11 In God I trust; I will not fear
what man can do to me.
12 Thy vows upon me are, O God:
I'll render praise to thee.
13 Wilt thou not, who from death me sav'd,
my feet from falls keep free,
To walk before God in the light
of those that living be?
To the chief Musician, Al-taschith, Michtam
of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave.
This psalm was penned by David, when he fled from Saul in the cave; 1 Sam. 24; and contains, (1.) David's earnest betaking of himself to God upon whom all his dependence, was fixed, towards whom all his desires were bent, and from whom only he expected relief for mercy amidst his great troubles, ver. 1-2. (2.) His complaints of the cruelty, malice, and calumnious deceit of his inveterate enemies, ver. 3-4, 6. (3.) His believing triumph in God; in which he prepares himself for praising God, excites himself to it, delights himself in it, and furnisheth himself with matter for it, ver. 7-10. (4.) Conscious of his own inability to praise God enough, he leaves it on God, to exalt and glorify himself, ver. 5-11.
While I sing, let me cry aloud for mercy; let me lay my spiritual and temporal adversities before the Lord; and let me triumph in the God of my salvation; and employ him to glorify his name in all the earth.
1 Be merciful to me, O God;
thy mercy unto me
Do thou extend; because my soul
doth put her trust in thee:
Yea, in the shadow of thy wings
my refuge I will place,
Until these sad calamities
do wholly overpass.
2 My cry I will cause to ascend
unto the Lord most high;
To God, who doth all things for me
perform most perfectly.
3 From heav'n he shall send down, and me
from his reproach defend
That would devour me: God his truth
and mercy forth shall send.
4 My soul among fierce lions is,
I firebrands live among,
Men's sons, whose teeth are spears and darts,
a sharp sword is their tongue.
5 Be thou exalted very high
above the heav'ns, O God;
Let thou thy glory be advanc'd
o'er all the earth abroad.
6 My soul's bow'd down; for they a net
have laid, my steps to snare:
Into the pit which they have digg'd
for me, they fallen are.
7 My heart is fix'd, my heart is fix'd,
O God; I'll sing and praise.
8 My glory wake; wake psalt'ry, harp;
myself I'll early raise.
9 I'll praise thee 'mong the people, Lord;
'mong nations sing will I:
10 For great to heav'n thy mercy is,
thy truth is to the sky.
11 O Lord, exalted be thy name
above the heav'ns to stand:
Do thou thy glory far advance
above both sea and land.
To the chief Musician, Al-taschith, Michtam of David.
This psalm was probably composed by David, when Saul carried on some kind of legal prosecution against him, which is not mentioned in the history of his reign. Here, (1.) He describes the corruption of these judges' government, in neglecting to do justice, and in readiness to do injustice; and the corruption of their nature, with their malice, falsehood, and obstinate untractableness, ver. 1-5. (2.) He prays that God would disable them to perpetrate mischief; would defeat their projects, and weaken their influence, ver. 6-8. (3.) He predicts their ruin, as calculated to promote the comfort of the godly, and the conviction of sinners, ver. 9-11.
While I sing, let me search out my corruptions, and bewail my obstinate refusals of Jesus Christ, and the counsels of his word. Let me dread the speedy, but awful vengeance of God, if I regard iniquity in my heart, or indulge it in my life.
1 Do ye, O congregation,
indeed speak righteousness?
O ye that are the sons of men,
judge ye with uprightness?
2 Yea, ev'n within your very hearts
ye wickedness have done;
And ye the vi'lence of your hands
do weigh the earth upon.
3 The wicked men estranged are,
ev'n from the very womb;
They, speaking lies, do stray as soon
as to the world they come.
4 Unto a serpent's poison like
their poison doth appear;
Yea, they are like the adder deaf,
that closely stops her ear;
5 That so she may not hear the voice
of one that charm her would,
No, not though he most cunning were,
and charm most wisely could.
6 Their teeth, O God, within their mouth
break thou in pieces small;
The great teeth break thou out, O Lord,
of these young lions all.
7 Let them like waters melt away,
which downward still do flow:
In pieces cut his arrows all,
when he shall bend his bow.
8 Like to a snail that melts away,
let each of them be gone;
Like woman's birth untimely, that
they never see the sun.
9 He shall them take away before
your pots the thorns can find,
Both living, and in fury great,
as with a stormy wind.
10 The righteous, when he vengeance sees,
he shall be joyful then;
The righteous one shall wash his feet
in blood of wicked men.
11 So men shall say, The righteous man
reward shall never miss:
And verily upon the earth
a God to judge there is.
To the chief Musician, Al-taschith, Michtam of David;
when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him.
This psalm was penned by David, when Saul sent messengers to watch his house in order to kill him, 1 Sam. 19. In it, as in the seven immediately preceding, we have, (1.) David's bitter complaints of his enemies, as wicked, barbarous, malicious, and atheistical, ver. 1-7. (2.) His predictory prayers that God would expose these enemies to contempt and derision; make them standing monuments of his just indignation; deal with them according to their sins; consume them in his wrath; and even render their sin their punishment, ver. 8, 10, 15. (3.) His holy resolutions to wait upon God, till his judgments should be executed upon them; and then to praise him for his protecting power, ver. 9-10, 16-17.
While I sing, let me think of the opposition made to David's Lord, and of the unrelenting vengeance which hath overtaken his enemies, Jewish and Heathen, and shall overtake his Antichristian and other opposers. While his honours are trampled under foot, let me wait on, and trust in God; that at last I may join in the hallelujahs of his people, when the smoke of his enemies' torment ascendeth up for ever and ever.
1 My God, deliver me from those
that are mine enemies;
And do thou me defend from those
that up against me rise.
2 Do thou deliver me from them
that work iniquity;
And give me safety from the men
of bloody cruelty.
3 For, lo, they for my soul lay wait:
the mighty do combine
Against me, Lord; not for my fault,
nor any sin of mine.
4 They run, and, without fault in me,
themselves do ready make:
Awake to meet me with thy help;
and do thou notice take.
5 Awake therefore, Lord God of hosts,
thou God of Israel,
To visit heathen all: spare none
that wickedly rebel.
6 At ev'ning they go to and fro;
they make great noise and sound,
Like to a dog, and often walk
about the city round.
7 Behold, they belch out with their mouth,
and in their lips are swords:
For they do say thus, Who is he
that now doth hear our words?
8 But thou, O Lord, shalt laugh at them,
and all the heathen mock.
9 While he's in pow'r I'll wait on thee;
for God is my high rock.
10 He of my mercy that is God
betimes shall me prevent;
Upon mine en'mies God shall let
me see mine heart's content.
11 Them slay not, lest my folk forget;
but scatter them abroad
By thy strong pow'r; and bring them down,
O thou our shield and God.
12 For their mouth's sin, and for the words
that from their lips do fly,
Let them be taken in their pride;
because they curse and lie.
13 In wrath consume them, them consume,
that so they may not be:
And that in Jacob God doth rule
to th' earth's ends let them see.
14 At ev'ning let thou them return,
making great noise and sound,
Like to a dog, and often walk
about the city round.
15 And let them wander up and down,
in seeking food to eat;
And let them grudge when they shall not
be satisfy'd with meat.
16 But of thy pow'r I'll sing aloud;
at morn thy mercy praise:
For thou to me my refuge wast,
and tow'r, in troublous days.
17 O God, thou art my strength, I will
sing praises unto thee;
For God is my defence, a God
of mercy unto me.
To the chief Musician upon Shushan-eduth, Michtam of David, to teach; when he strove with Aram-naharaim, and with Aram-zobah, when Joab returned and smote of Edom, in the valley of Salt, twelve thousand.
This psalm was penned by David, during his wars with the Syrians and Edomites, 2 Sam. 8. Here, (1.) He bewails the tokens of God's displeasure with Israel, in the breaking and disjointing of the nation, under Saul and Ishbosheth, ver. 1-3. (2.) In thankful contemplation of the late revival he had given to their affairs by his own accession to the throne, and victories over the Philistines, Moabites, etc., he beseeches God to grant them victory over, and rest from all their other enemies, ver. 4-5. (3.) In the confident expectation of God's fulfilment of his promises, along with the importunate supplication, he expresseth his triumphant hopes, that God would quickly subdue every enemy, the fortified cities of Edom not excepted, ver. 6-12.
In all my distressed cases, let me rejoice in the banner, the ensign given and displayed to the nations; and in the faith of God's promise let me firmly expect victory over every spiritual foe, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God, the full enjoyment of the Canaan that is above.
1 O Lord, thou hast rejected us,
and scatter'd us abroad;
Thou justly hast displeased been;
return to us, O God.
2 The earth to tremble thou hast made;
therein didst breaches make:
Do thou thereof the breaches heal,
because the land doth shake.
3 Unto thy people thou hard things
hast shew'd, and on them sent;
And thou hast caused us to drink
wine of astonishment.
4 And yet a banner thou hast giv'n
to them who thee do fear;
That it by them, because of truth,
displayed may appear.
5 That thy beloved people may
deliver'd be from thrall,
Save with the pow'r of thy right hand,
and hear me when I call.
6 God in his holiness hath spoke;
herein I will take pleasure:
Shechem I will divide, and forth
will Succoth's valley measure.
7 Gilead I claim as mine by right;
Manasseh mine shall be;
Ephraim is of mine head the strength;
Judah gives laws for me;
8 Moab's my washing-pot; my shoe
I'll over Edom throw;
And over Palestina's land
I will in triumph go.
9 O who is he will bring me to
the city fortify'd?
O who is he that to the land
of Edom will me guide?
10 O God, which hadest us cast off,
this thing wilt thou not do?
Ev'n thou, O God, which didest not
forth with our armies go?
11 Help us from trouble; for the help
is vain which man supplies.
12 Through God we'll do great acts; he shall
tread down our enemies.
To the chief Musician upon Neginoth,
A Psalm of David.
Here, (1.) David, in commemorating what the Lord had formerly done to him, and in the faith of what he had promised, cries to God for comfort and protection, amidst great troubles, ver. 1-4. (2.) In the view of what God had and would for ever do for him, he supplicates necessary mercies, and resolves on everlasting praise and thanksgiving to God, as his bounden duty, ver. 5-8.
So may all providences, distressful or smiling, lead my soul to a thankful panting for God, as my all and in all.
1 O God, give ear unto my cry;
unto my pray'r attend.
2 From th' utmost corner of the land
my cry to thee I'll send.
What time my heart is overwhelm'd,
and in perplexity,
Do thou me lead unto the Rock
that higher is than I.
3 For thou hast for my refuge been
a shelter by thy pow'r;
And for defence against my foes
thou hast been a strong tow'r.
4 Within thy tabernacle I
for ever will abide;
And under covert of thy wings
with confidence me hide.
5 For thou the vows that I did make,
O Lord my God, didst hear:
Thou hast giv'n me the heritage
of those thy name that fear.
6 A life prolong'd for many days
thou to the king shalt give;
Like many generations be
the years which he shall live.
7 He in God's presence his abode
for evermore shall have:
O do thou truth and mercy both
prepare, that may him save.
8 And so will I perpetually
sing praise unto thy name;
That having made my vows, I may
each day perform the same.
To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David.
In this psalm, (1.) David solemnly avows his manifold relations to God; his composed dependence on, fixed trust in, and quiet waiting for God; and his hopes of the ruin of his enemies, ver. 1-7. (2.) He earnestly encourageth others to trust in, and call on God, who is infinite in power, mercy, and justice; and to beware of trusting in men, or in outward riches or honours, which are deceitful, and unsubstantial, ver. 8-12.
While I sing, go thou, my soul, and do likewise. Be weaned from all dependence on creatures; but cleave to, and depend on this all-sufficient Jehovah, as answerable to all thy needs, all thy desires, all thy enjoying powers, for time and for eternity. Then, O how fixed in safety! and how filled with the consolations of Christ!
1 My soul with expectation
depends on God indeed;
My strength and my salvation doth
from him alone proceed.
2 He only my salvation is,
and my strong rock is he:
He only is my sure defence;
much mov'd I shall not be.
3 How long will ye against a man
plot mischief? ye shall all
Be slain; ye as a tott'ring fence
shall be, and bowing wall.
4 They only plot to cast him down
from his excellency:
They joy in lies; with mouth they bless,
but they curse inwardly.
5 My soul, wait thou with patience
upon thy God alone;
On him dependeth all my hope
and expectation.
6 He only my salvation is,
and my strong rock is he;
He only is my sure defence:
I shall not moved be.
7 In God my glory placed is,
and my salvation sure;
In God the rock is of my strength,
my refuge most secure.
8 Ye people, place your confidence
in him continually;
Before him pour ye out your heart:
God is our refuge high.
9 Surely mean men are vanity,
and great men are a lie;
In balance laid, they wholly are
more light than vanity.
10 Trust ye not in oppression,
in robb'ry be not vain;
On wealth set not your hearts, when as
increased is your gain.
11 God hath it spoken once to me,
yea, this I heard again,
That power to Almighty God
alone doth appertain.
12 Yea, mercy also unto thee
belongs, O Lord, alone:
For thou according to his work
rewardest ev'ry one.
A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.
This psalm was penned by David, while he hid himself from the fury of Saul, in the wilderness of Judah, 1 Sam. 22:5; or 23:14, 24-25; or 24:1; or, when he fled from Absalom, 2 Sam. 25-26. We have, (1.) His strong faith, working in ardent desires after the most familiar fellowship with God in public ordinances, ver. 1-2. (2.) His superlative estimation of God, issuing in hearty resolutions to be for ever employed in his praise, ver. 3-4. (3.) His heart-ravishing satisfaction in God, amidst secret and fixed meditation on his excellencies and love, ver. 5-6. (4.) His joyful dependence on God, as his Saviour and portion, ver. 7-8. (5.) His holy triumph in God, as his preserver, and the destroyer of his enemies, ver. 9-11.
While I sing these high praises of God, let my soul be strong in the faith, giving glory to God; embracing the promise of himself, and calling all the fulness of the Godhead my own. Let me be all in raptures of divine love, and holy delight; let no guile, no corruption, no carnal care, enervate or damp my inward powers: but let all be opened, be wide stretched to grasp my infinite all the great I Am.
1 Lord, thee my God, I'll early seek:
my soul doth thirst for thee;
My flesh longs in a dry parch'd land,
wherein no waters be:
2 That I thy power may behold,
and brightness of thy face,
As I have seen thee heretofore
within thy holy place.
3 Since better is thy love than life,
my lips thee praise shall give.
4 I in thy name will lift my hands,
and bless thee while I live.
5 Ev'n as with marrow and with fat
my soul shall filled be;
Then shall my mouth with joyful lips
sing praises unto thee:
6 When I do thee upon my bed
remember with delight,
And when on thee I meditate
in watches of the night.
7 In shadow of thy wings I'll joy;
for thou mine help hast been.
8 My soul thee follows hard; and me
thy right hand doth sustain.
9 Who seek my soul to spill shall sink
down to earth's lowest room.
10 They by the sword shall be cut off,
and foxes' prey become.
11 Yet shall the king in God rejoice,
and each one glory shall
That swear by him: but stopp'd shall be
the mouth of liars all.
To the chief Musician,
A Psalm of David.
This psalm contains, (1.) David's earnest supplications for preservation from his enemies, who were so spiteful in their calumnious reproaches; so close and subtile in their malicious plots; and so industrious and active, in executing their cruel projects, ver. 1-6. (2.) His predictions, that God, by just vengeance, would quickly render these enemies a terror to themselves and others, and an occasion of holy joy and confidence to the saints, ver. 7-10.
While I sing, let me commit my spiritual enemies into the hand of God, who is able to destroy them, and will quickly, to my everlasting comfort, tread them all under my feet.
1 When I to thee my prayer make,
Lord, to my voice give ear;
My life save from the enemy,
of whom I stand in fear.
2 Me from their secret counsel hide
who do live wickedly;
From insurrection of those men
that work iniquity:
3 Who do their tongues with malice whet,
and make them cut like swords;
In whose bent bows are arrows set,
ev'n sharp and bitter words:
4 That they may at the perfect man
in secret aim their shot;
Yea, suddenly they dare at him
to shoot, and fear it not.
5 In ill encourage they themselves,
and their snares close do lay:
Together conference they have;
Who shall them see? they say.
6 They have search'd out iniquities,
a perfect search they keep:
Of each of them the inward thought,
and very heart, is deep.
7 God shall an arrow shoot at them,
and wound them suddenly:
8 So their own tongue shall them confound;
all who them see shall fly.
9 And on all men a fear shall fall,
God's works they shall declare;
For they shall wisely notice take
what these his doings are.
10 In God the righteous shall rejoice,
and trust upon his might;
Yea, they shall greatly glory all
in heart that are upright.
To the chief Musician,
A Psalm and Song of David.
Here we are directed to praise God, (1.) For his kindness manifested in his kingdom of grace in hearing prayers; in pardoning iniquities; in satisfying the souls of his people with his blessings; and in protecting and supporting them in every exigence, ver. 1-5. (2.) For his kindness in the kingdom of Providence in fixing the mountains; in calming the seas; in preserving the regular succession of day and night; and in rendering the fields fruitful, and the flocks numerous and happy, ver. 6-13.
While I sing, let praise wait, in my soul, for the Lord; and let me pour out my heart before him. Under a deep sense of guilt and pollution, let me believe his unbounded forgiveness, and sanctifying influence. Let me come even to his seat, and enjoy ravishing fellowship with him. Let all my confidence be fixed on him; and, even in the blessings of Providence, let me discern the exceeding riches of his grace.
1 Praise waits for thee in Sion, Lord:
to thee vows paid shall be.
2 O thou that hearer art of pray'r,
all flesh shall come to thee.
3 Iniquities, I must confess,
prevail against me do:
But as for our transgressions,
them purge away shalt thou.
4 Bless'd is the man whom thou dost chuse,
and mak'st approach to thee,
That he within thy courts, O Lord,
may still a dweller be:
We surely shall be satisfy'd
with thy abundant grace,
And with the goodness of thy house,
ev'n of thy holy place.
5 O God of our salvation,
thou, in thy righteousness,
By fearful works unto our pray'rs
thine answer dost express:
Therefore the ends of all the earth,
and those afar that be
Upon the sea, their confidence,
O Lord, will place in thee.
6 Who, being girt with pow'r, sets fast
by his great strength the hills.
7 Who noise of seas, noise of their waves,
and people's tumult, stills.
8 Those in the utmost parts that dwell
are at thy signs afraid:
Th' outgoings of the morn and ev'n
by thee are joyful made.
9 The earth thou visit'st, wat'ring it;
thou mak'st it rich to grow
With God's full flood; thou corn prepar'st,
when thou provid'st it so.
10 Her rigs thou wat'rest plenteously,
her furrows settelest:
With show'rs thou dost her mollify,
her spring by thee is blest.
11 So thou the year most lib'rally
dost with thy goodness crown;
And all thy paths abundantly
on us drop fatness down.
12 They drop upon the pastures wide,
that do in deserts lie;
The little hills on ev'ry side
rejoice right pleasantly.
13 With flocks the pastures clothed be,
the vales with corn are clad;
And now they shout and sing to thee,
for thou hast made them glad.
To the chief Musician,
A Song or Psalm.
In this psalm of thanksgiving, in which the fate of Israel is to be considered as typical of that of the gospel church and people of God, we have, (1.) David, as the messenger of God, calling all the nations of mankind to praise God for the manifestation of his sovereign dominion in his works, so wonderful in themselves, terrible to his enemies, comfortable to his people, and commanding and awful to all men, ver. 1-7; and for trying his people with afflictions, for supporting under them, protecting amidst them, and delivering from them at last, ver. 8-12. (2.) David, as the servant of God, exemplifying his own exhortations in honouring God, by costly oblations, and by thankful declarations of what God had done for his soul, particularly in answer to his prayers, ver. 13-20.
1 All lands to God in joyful sounds,
aloft your voices raise.
2 Sing forth the honour of his name,
and glorious make his praise.
3 Say unto God, How terrible
in all thy works art thou!
Through thy great pow'r thy foes to thee
shall be constrain'd to bow.
4 All on the earth shall worship thee,
they shall thy praise proclaim
In songs: they shall sing cheerfully
unto thy holy name.
5 Come, and the works that God hath wrought
with admiration see:
In's working to the sons of men
most terrible is he.
6 Into dry land the sea he turn'd,
and they a passage had;
Ev'n marching through the flood on foot,
there we in him were glad.
7 He ruleth ever by his pow'r;
his eyes the nations see:
O let not the rebellious ones
lift up themselves on high.
8 Ye people, bless our God; aloud
the voice speak of his praise:
9 Our soul in life who safe preserves,
our foot from sliding stays.
10 For thou didst prove and try us, Lord,
as men do silver try;
11 Brought'st us into the net, and mad'st
bands on our loins to lie.
12 Thou hast caus'd men ride o'er our heads;
and though that we did pass
Through fire and water, yet thou brought'st
us to a wealthy place.
13 I'll bring burnt off 'rings to thy house;
to thee my vows I'll pay,
14 Which my lips utter'd, my mouth spake,
when trouble on me lay.
15 Burnt-sacrifices of fat rams
with incense I will bring;
Of bullocks and of goats I will
present an offering.
16 All that fear God, come, hear, I'll tell
what he did for my soul.
17 I with my mouth unto him cry'd,
my tongue did him extol.
18 If in my heart I sin regard,
the Lord me will not hear:
19 But surely God me heard, and to
my prayer's voice gave ear.
20 O let the Lord, our gracious God,
for ever blessed be,
Who turned not my pray'r from him,
nor yet his grace from me.
To the chief Musician on Neginoth,
A Psalm or Song.
Here we have, (1.) David's prayer for the church of Israel, ver. 1. (2.) His supplication for the comforting, and praise-producing spread of the gospel among the Gentiles, ver. 2-5. (3.) His believing prospect of the divine blessings, and true piety, which should attend the same, ver.6-7.
While I sing, let me request the salvation of Israel. Let me supplicate the gathering of the nations to Shiloh. Let me praise the Lord, that already this great work is begun; and that the Lord, who is mighty, shall finish it in his time.
First Version (S.M.)
1 Lord, bless and pity us,
shine on us with thy face:
2 That th' earth thy way, and nations all
may know thy saving grace.
3 Let people praise thee, Lord;
let people all thee praise.
4 O let the nations be glad,
in songs their voices raise:
Thou'lt justly people judge,
on earth rule nations all.
5 Let people praise thee, Lord; let them
praise thee, both great and small.
6 The earth her fruit shall yield,
our God shall blessing send.
7 God shall us bless; men shall him fear
unto earth's utmost end.
Second Version (C.M.)
1 Lord, unto us be merciful,
do thou us also bless;
And graciously cause shine on us
the brightness of thy face:
2 That so thy way upon the earth
to all men may be known;
Also among the nations all
thy saving health be shown.
3 O let the people praise thee, Lord;
let people all thee praise.
4 O let the nations be glad,
and sing for joy always:
For rightly thou shalt people judge,
and nations rule on earth.
5 Let people praise thee, Lord; let all
the folk praise thee with mirth.
6 Then shall the earth yield her increase;
God, our God, bless us shall.
7 God shall us bless; and of the earth
the ends shall fear him all.
To the chief Musician,
A Psalm or Song of David.
Perhaps this psalm was composed on the same occasion as the 24th and 47th, when David brought up the ark of God to that tabernacle, which he had pitched for it in Zion, 2 Sam. 6. We have in it, (1.) Fervent supplications that God would scatter and defeat the projects of his enemies, ver. 1-2. (2.) High praises to God for his infinite greatness and grace; his righteous relieving of the afflicted and oppressed; his directing of Israel in the Arabian desert; his manifesting of his glory at Sinai; his comfortable providing for his people in the wilderness, and in Canaan, ver. 3-10; and for his easy conquest of their Canaanitish enemies; his fixing his temple on mount Zion; for the ascension of Christ to glory, to receive gifts for men; and for the spread of the gospel among Jews and Gentiles, by means of the apostles; while the obstinate Jews are severely punished, ver. 11-32; and, in fine, for his superior dominion; his awful majesty; his mighty power; for the glory of his sanctuary, and the grace he bestows upon his people, ver. 33-35.
While I sing, let me behold, let me admire, what God is, and hath done for, and to my soul, and to the church of God, of which I am a member. Let me behold what God hath done, in instances unnumbered, in prosecution of the covenant he made with his eternal Son.
1 Let God arise, and scattered
let all his en'mies be;
And let all those that do him hate
before his presence flee.
2 As smoke is driv'n, so drive thou them;
as fire melts wax away,
Before God's face let wicked men
so perish and decay.
3 But let the righteous be glad:
let them before God's sight
Be very joyful; yea, let them
rejoice with all their might.
4 To God sing, to his name sing praise;
extol him with your voice,
That rides on heav'n, by his name Jah,
before his face rejoice.
5 Because the Lord a father is
unto the fatherless;
God is the widow's judge, within
his place of holiness.
6 God doth the solitary set
in fam'lies: and from bands
The chain'd doth free; but rebels do
inhabit parched lands.
7 O God, what time thou didst go forth
before thy people's face;
And when through the great wilderness
thy glorious marching was;
8 Then at God's presence shook the earth,
then drops from heaven fell;
This Sinai shook before the Lord,
the God of Israel.
9 O God, thou to thine heritage
didst send a plenteous rain,
Whereby thou, when it weary was,
didst it refresh again.
10 Thy congregation then did make
their habitation there:
Of thine own goodness for the poor,
O God, thou didst prepare.
11 The Lord himself did give the word,
the word abroad did spread;
Great was the company of them
the same who published.
12 Kings of great armies foiled were,
and forc'd to flee away;
And women, who remain'd at home,
did distribute the prey.
13 Though ye have lien among the pots,
like doves ye shall appear,
Whose wings with silver, and with gold
whose feathers cover'd are.
14 When there th' Almighty scatter'd kings,
like Salmon's snow 'twas white.
15 God's hill is like to Bashan hill,
like Bashan hill for height.
16 Why do ye leap, ye mountains high?
this is the hill where God
Desires to dwell; yea, God in it
for aye will make abode.
17 God's chariots twenty thousand are,
thousands of angels strong;
In's holy place God is, as in
mount Sinai, them among.
18 Thou hast, O Lord, most glorious,
ascended up on high;
And in triumph victorious led
captive captivity:
Thou hast received gifts for men,
for such as did rebel;
Yea, ev'n for them, that God the Lord
in midst of them might dwell.
19 Bless'd be the Lord, who is to us
of our salvation God;
Who daily with his benefits
us plenteously doth load.
20 He of salvation is the God,
who is our God most strong;
And unto God the Lord from death
the issues do belong.
21 But surely God shall wound the head
of those that are his foes;
The hairy scalp of him that still
on in his trespass goes.
22 God said, My people I will bring
again from Bashan hill;
Yea, from the sea's devouring depths
them bring again I will;
23 That in the blood of enemies
thy foot imbru'd may be,
And of thy dogs dipp'd in the same
the tongues thou mayest see.
24 Thy goings they have seen, O God;
the steps of majesty
Of my God, and my mighty King,
within the sanctuary.
25 Before went singers, players next
on instruments took way;
And them among the damsels were
that did on timbrels play.
26 Within the congregations
bless God with one accord:
From Isr'el's fountain do ye bless
and praise the mighty Lord.
27 With their prince, little Benjamin,
princes and council there
Of Judah were, there Zabulon's
and Napht'li's princes were.
28 Thy God commands thy strength; make strong
what thou wrought'st for us, Lord.
29 For thy house at Jerusalem
kings shall thee gifts afford.
30 The spearmen's host, the multitude
of bulls, which fiercely look,
Those calves which people have forth sent,
O Lord our God, rebuke,
Till ev'ry one submit himself,
and silver pieces bring:
The people that delight in war
disperse, O God and King.
31 Those that be princes great shall then
come out of Egypt lands;
And Ethiopia to God
shall soon stretch out her hands.
32 O all ye kingdoms of the earth,
sing praises to this King;
For he is Lord that ruleth all,
unto him praises sing.
33 To him that rides on heav'ns of heav'ns,
which he of old did found;
Lo, he sends out his voice, a voice
in might that doth abound.
34 Strength unto God do ye ascribe;
for his excellency
Is over Israel, his strength
is in the clouds most high.
35 Thou'rt from thy temple dreadful, Lord;
Isr'el's own God is he,
Who gives his people strength and pow'r:
O let God blessed be.
To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim,
A Psalm of David.
This psalm is much like the 22nd, representing at once the troubles of David and of David's Lord, and the glories which followed. We have in it, (1.) Bitter complaints of long and sore troubles; of the malice and multitude of enemies; of the unkindness of friends; of general contempt: and these mingled with candid acknowledgments of guilt, and with supplications for God's gracious audience and merciful deliverance, ver. 1-13. (2.) Pleas insisted on, in these supplications, viz. the mercy and truth of God; the psalmist's own great distress; the insolence and cruelty of his enemies; and the unkindness of his friends, ver. 14-21. (3.) Predictions of the ruin of David's, and especially of Christ's Jewish enemies; importing that their sacrifices and their common food should be cursed to them; that they should be plagued with judicial blindness and wrathful disquiet; that they should be rendered public monuments of the vengeance of God, having their church and state quite unhinged, and their land desolated; and, in fine, that their ruin should be increasing, and their recovery almost impossible, ver. 22-28. (4.) Under a deep sense of his poverty and distress, David, and his divine Son, celebrate the high praises of God, and call others to praise him for the deliverances of Israel; but chiefly for the erection of the gospel church, and for the certain, though still future recalling of the Jews into the same, ver. 29-36.
While I sing, let me behold my Redeemer, charged in law with my sins, and bearing the punishment thereof. Let me learn with patience to run the race of holy obedience and of necessary trials set before me, looking to Jesus as my pattern, and as the author and finisher of my faith. While I behold the tremendous severity of God's judgments against his ancient people, for rejecting and murdering his Son, let me not be high -minded, but fear. Let me behold the grace of our Lord Jesus, who, though he was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor; that we through his poverty might be made rich. And let me be a living and lively member of that church which is founded in his blood, and blessed in him with all spiritual blessings.
1 Save me, O God, because the floods
do so environ me,
That ev'n unto my very soul
come in the waters be.
2 I downward in deep mire do sink,
where standing there is none:
I am into deep waters come,
where floods have o'er me gone.
3 I weary with my crying am,
my throat is also dry'd;
Mine eyes do fail, while for my God
I waiting do abide.
4 Those men that do without a cause
bear hatred unto me,
Than are the hairs upon my head
in number more they be:
They that would me destroy, and are
mine en'mies wrongfully,
Are mighty: so what I took not,
to render forc'd was I.
They that would me destroy, and are
mine en'mies wrongfully,
Are mighty: so what I took not,
to render forc'd was I.
5 Lord, thou my folly know'st, my sins
not cover'd are from thee.
6 Let none that wait on thee be sham'd,
Lord God of hosts, for me.
O Lord, the God of Israel,
let none, who search do make,
And seek thee, be at any time
confounded for my sake.
7 For I have borne reproach for thee,
my face is hid with shame.
8 To brethren strange, to mother's sons
an alien I became.
9 Because the zeal did eat me up,
which to thine house I bear;
And the reproaches cast at thee,
upon me fallen are.
10 My tears and fasts, t' afflict my soul,
were turned to my shame.
11 When sackcloth I did wear, to them
a proverb I became.
12 The men that in the gate do sit
against me evil spake;
They also that vile drunkards were
of me their song did make.
13 But, in an acceptable time,
my pray'r, Lord, is to thee:
In truth of thy salvation, Lord,
and mercy great, hear me.
14 Deliver me out of the mire,
from sinking do me keep;
Free me from those that do me hate,
and from the waters deep.
15 Let not the flood on me prevail,
whose water overflows;
Nor deep me swallow, nor the pit
her mouth upon me close.
16 Hear me, O Lord, because thy love
and kindness is most good;
Turn unto me, according to
thy mercies' multitude.
17 Nor from thy servant hide thy face:
I'm troubled, soon attend.
18 Draw near my soul, and it redeem;
me from my foes defend.
19 To thee is my reproach well known,
my shame, and my disgrace:
Those that mine adversaries be
are all before thy face.
20 Reproach hath broke my heart; I'm full
of grief: I look'd for one
To pity me, but none I found;
comforters found I none.
21 They also bitter gall did give
unto me for my meat:
They gave me vinegar to drink,
when as my thirst was great.
22 Before them let their table prove
a snare; and do thou make
Their welfare and prosperity
a trap themselves to take.
23 Let thou their eyes so darken'd be,
that sight may them forsake;
And let their loins be made by thee
continually to shake.
24 Thy fury pour thou out on them,
and indignation;
And let thy wrathful anger, Lord,
fast hold take them upon.
25 All waste and desolate let be
their habitation;
And in their tabernacles all
inhabitants be none.
26 Because him they do persecute,
whom thou didst smite before;
They talk unto the grief of those
whom thou hast wounded sore.
27 Add thou iniquity unto
their former wickedness;
And do not let them come at all
into thy righteousness.
28 Out of the book of life let them
be raz'd and blotted quite;
Among the just and righteous
let not their names be writ.
29 But now become exceeding poor
and sorrowful am I:
By thy salvation, O my God,
let me be set on high.
30 The name of God I with a song
most cheerfully will praise;
And I, in giving thanks to him,
his name shall highly raise.
31 This to the Lord a sacrifice
more gracious shall prove
Than bullock, ox, or any beast
that hath both horn and hoof.
32 When this the humble men shall see,
it joy to them shall give:
O all ye that do seek the Lord,
your hearts shall ever live.
33 For God the poor hears, and will not
his prisoners contemn.
34 Let heav'n, and earth, and seas, him praise,
and all that move in them.
35 For God will Judah's cities build,
and he will Sion save,
That they may dwell therein, and it
in sure possession have.
36 And they that are his servants' seed
inherit shall the same;
So shall they have their dwelling there
that love his blessed name.
To the chief Musician,
A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance.
This psalm is much the same as the five last verses of the 40th. In it David prays, (1.) For divine help to himself, ver. 1, 5. (2.) For shame and confusion to his enemies, ver. 2-3. (3.) For joy and comfort to his friends, ver. 4.
While I sing, let me apply it to my own troubled circum stances, and so in a believing manner, bring them and the sinful causes thereof, to my remembrance.
First Version (S.M.)
1 Lord, haste me to deliver;
with speed, Lord, succour me.
2 Let them that for my soul do seek
sham'd and confounded be:
Turn'd back be they, and sham'd,
that in my hurt delight.
3 Turn'd back be they, Ha, ha! that say,
their shaming to requite.
4 In thee let all be glad,
and joy that seek for thee:
Let them who thy salvation love
say still, God praised be.
5 I poor and needy am;
come, Lord, and make no stay:
My help thou and deliv'rer art;
O Lord, make no delay.
Second Version (C.M.)
1 Make haste, O God, me to preserve;
with speed, Lord, succour me.
2 Let them that for my soul do seek
sham'd and confounded be:
Let them be turned back, and sham'd,
that in my hurt delight.
3 Turn'd back be they, Ha, ha! that say,
their shaming to requite.
4 O Lord, in thee let all be glad,
and joy that seek for thee:
Let them who thy salvation love
say still, God praised be.
5 But I both poor and needy am;
come, Lord, and make no stay:
My help thou and deliv'rer art;
O Lord, make no delay.
This psalm was probably penned on the occasion of Absalom's rebellion, as Psalm 3rd, 42nd, 43rd; or of Sheba's conspiracy, 2 Sam. 20. It contains, (1.) David's firm confidence in God, encouraged by manifold experiences of his gracious kindness, ver. 1, 3, 5-7. (2.) His fervent prayers that he might never be ashamed, but might be delivered; might find rest in God; might have constant matter of new praises and thanksgivings afforded him; might not be forsaken of God in his old age; and might have his numerous, powerful, and crafty enemies, confounded with shame and perplexity, ver. 1-13, 18. (3.) His confident and joyful expectations of God's further kindness, particularly that God would never forsake, but revive him; that he would increase his honour and comfort, and put his enemies to shame: Along with which he resolves, with admiring rapture, to extol God's righteousness and salvation, and his new-covenant relation to himself, and to Israel, ver. 14-24.
While I sing, let me be affected with my troubles. Let me never stagger at the promise through unbelief, but be strong in the faith, giving glory to God.
1 O Lord, my hope and confidence
is plac'd in thee alone;
Then let thy servant never be
put to confusion.
2 And let me, in thy righteousness,
from thee deliv'rance have;
Cause me escape, incline thine ear
unto me, and me save.
3 Be thou my dwelling-rock, to which
I ever may resort:
Thou gav'st commandment me to save,
for thou'rt my rock and fort.
4 Free me, my God, from wicked hands,
hands cruel and unjust:
5 For thou, O Lord God, art my hope,
and from my youth my trust.
6 Thou from the womb didst hold me up;
thou art the same that me
Out of my mother's bowels took;
I ever will praise thee.
7 To many I a wonder am;
but thou'rt my refuge strong.
8 Fill'd let my mouth be with thy praise
and honour all day long.
9 O do not cast me off, when as
old age doth overtake me;
And when my strength decayed is,
then do not thou forsake me.
10 For those that are mine enemies
against me speak with hate;
And they together counsel take
that for my soul lay wait.
11 They said, God leaves him; him pursue
and take: none will him save.
12 Be thou not far from me, my God:
thy speedy help I crave.
13 Confound, consume them, that unto
my soul are enemies:
Cloth'd be they with reproach and shame
that do my hurt devise.
14 But I with expectation
will hope continually;
And yet with praises more and more
I will thee magnify.
15 Thy justice and salvation
my mouth abroad shall show,
Ev'n all the day; for I thereof
the numbers do not know.
16 And I will constantly go on
in strength of God the Lord;
And thine own righteousness, ev'n thine
alone, I will record.
17 For even from my youth, O God,
by thee I have been taught;
And hitherto I have declar'd
the wonders thou hast wrought.
18 And now, Lord, leave me not, when I
old and gray-headed grow:
Till to this age thy strength and pow'r
to all to come I show.
19 And thy most perfect righteousness
O Lord, is very high,
Who hast so great things done: O God,
who is like unto thee?
20 Thou, Lord, who great adversities,
and sore, to me didst show,
Shalt quicken, and bring me again
from depths of earth below.
21 My greatness and my pow'r thou wilt
increase, and far extend:
On ev'ry side against all grief
thou wilt me comfort send.
22 Thee, ev'n thy truth, I'll also praise,
my God, with psaltery:
Thou Holy One of Israel,
with harp I'll sing to thee.
23 My lips shall much rejoice in thee,
when I thy praises sound;
My soul, which thou redeemed hast,
in joy shall much abound.
24 My tongue thy justice shall proclaim,
continuing all day long;
For they confounded are, and sham'd,
that seek to do me wrong.
A Psalm for Solomon.
This psalm was composed by David, about the time of Solomon's instalment in the throne of Israel, 1 Kings 1 and 2. With respect to him, here is, (1.) Fervent prayer for proper qualifications to furnish him for government, ver. 1. (2.) Predictions of the peace, glory, extent, wealth, duration and happiness of his government, ver. 2-17. (3.) Praise to the God of Israel for his mercies to his people, ver. 18-19. But as our Redeemer is principally intended, we have concerning him, (1.) His being furnished with the Holy Ghost above measure, to qualify him for his work, ver. 1. (2.) The glories of his government; how righteous, how prudent, how orderly, how condescending and merciful! how destructive to oppressors, how efficaciously productive to real religion, and how comfortable to his faithful subjects his administrations are! ver. 2-9. How extensive his church, among all ranks and nations; how tender his care of the meanest of his subjects; how much he is revered and adored by them; how astonishing their increase, by means of his gospel truth preached; and how permanent and useful his government! ver. 10-17. (3.) A solemn ascription of all the praise of these wonderful works to God alone, with an earnest request and believing expectation, that his glory shall fill the whole earth, ver. 18-19.
While I sing these lofty notes of the dying psalmist, let me admire, let me adore, let me sing praises to Jesus my King. Let me rejoice in his highness and in his extensive usefulness to men.
1 O Lord, thy judgments give the king,
his son thy righteousness.
2 With right he shall thy people judge,
thy poor with uprightness.
3 The lofty mountains shall bring forth
unto the people peace;
Likewise the little hills the same
shall do by righteousness.
4 The people's poor ones he shall judge,
the needy's children save;
And those shall he in pieces break
who them oppressed have.
5 They shall thee fear, while sun and moon
do last, through ages all.
6 Like rain on mown grass he shall drop,
or show'rs on earth that fall.
7 The just shall flourish in his days,
and prosper in his reign:
He shall, while doth the moon endure,
abundant peace maintain.
8 His large and great dominion shall
from sea to sea extend:
It from the river shall reach forth
unto earth's utmost end.
9 They in the wilderness that dwell
bow down before him must;
And they that are his enemies
shall lick the very dust.
10 The kings of Tarshish, and the isles,
to him shall presents bring;
And unto him shall offer gifts
Sheba's and Seba's king.
11 Yea, all the mighty kings on earth
before him down shall fall;
And all the nations of the world
do service to him shall.
12 For he the needy shall preserve,
when he to him doth call;
The poor also, and him that hath
no help of man at all.
13 The poor man and the indigent
in mercy he shall spare;
He shall preserve alive the souls
of those that needy are.
14 Both from deceit and violence
their soul he shall set free;
And in his sight right precious
and dear their blood shall be.
15 Yea, he shall live, and giv'n to him
shall be of Sheba's gold:
For him still shall they pray, and he
shall daily be extoll'd.
16 Of corn an handful in the earth
on tops of mountains high,
With prosp'rous fruit shall shake, like trees
on Lebanon that be.
The city shall be flourishing,
her citizens abound
In number shall, like to the grass
that grows upon the ground.
17 His name for ever shall endure;
last like the sun it shall:
Men shall be bless'd in him, and bless'd
all nations shall him call.
18 Now blessed be the Lord our God,
the God of Israel,
For he alone doth wondrous works,
in glory that excel.
19 And blessed be his glorious name
to all eternity:
The whole earth let his glory fill.
Amen, so let it be.
Copyright ©1991by Presbyterian Heritage Publications