A Psalm of Asaph.
This psalm, and the ten following, are called Psalms of Asaph; but whether because he composed most of them, or because he led the music in singing them, is not altogether certain. Here we have, (1.) The great foundation of all religion, viz. the goodness of God to his people, strongly asserted, ver. 1. (2.) The psalmist's faith fearfully shaken by the consideration of the freedom, prosperity, plenty, and peaceful-like death of the wicked; which rendered them proud, oppressive, insolent, atheistical, and profane; while himself was in a manner consigned to nothing but trouble, ver. 2-13. (3.) The temptation, when it had reduced him to the brink of atheism, is broken, by a discovery of the connected purposes and providences of God in his word and ordinances, ver. 14-20. (4.) His improvement of his fall and recovery, to promote a deep sense of his own meanness, ignorance, and folly; a complete dependence on God as his guide; a cleaving to him as his portion, infinitely preferable to every thing else; without whom one is necessarily miserable, and in the enjoyment of whom he is assured of happiness, and excited to praise and thanksgiving, ver. 21-28.
While I sing, let me remember my own wickedness and folly; and let me receive instruction in duty. Let me cleave to God as my portion, and resolve to draw my light and comfort from the oracles of his mouth, and ordinances of his grace.
1 Yet God is good to Israel,
to each pure-hearted one.
2 But as for me, my steps near slipp'd,
my feet were almost gone.
3 For I envious was, and grudg'd
the foolish folk to see,
When I perceiv'd the wicked sort
enjoy prosperity.
4 For still their strength continueth firm;
their death of bands is free.
5 They are not toil'd like other men,
nor plagu'd, as others be.
6 Therefore their pride, like to a chain,
them compasseth about;
And, as a garment, violence
doth cover them throughout.
7 Their eyes stand out with fat; they have
more than their hearts could wish.
8 They are corrupt; their talk of wrong
both lewd and lofty is.
9 They set their mouth against the heav'ns
in their blasphemous talk;
And their reproaching tongue throughout
the earth at large doth walk.
10 His people oftentimes for this
look back, and turn about;
Sith waters of so full a cup
to these are poured out.
11 And thus they say, How can it be
that God these things doth know?
Or, Can there in the Highest be
knowledge of things below?
12 Behold, these are the wicked ones,
yet prosper at their will
In worldly things; they do increase
in wealth and riches still.
13 I verily have done in vain
my heart to purify;
To no effect in innocence
washed my hands have I.
14 For daily, and all day throughout,
great plagues I suffer'd have;
Yea, ev'ry morning I of new
did chastisement receive.
15 If in this manner foolishly
to speak I would intend,
Thy children's generation,
behold, I should offend.
16 When I this thought to know, it was
too hard a thing for me;
17 Till to God's sanctuary I went,
then I their end did see.
18 Assuredly thou didst them set
a slipp'ry place upon;
Them suddenly thou castedst down
into destruction.
19 How in a moment suddenly
to ruin brought are they!
With fearful terrors utterly
they are consum'd away.
20 Ev'n like unto a dream, when one
from sleeping doth arise;
So thou, O Lord, when thou awak'st,
their image shalt despise.
21 Thus grieved was my heart in me,
and me my reins opprest:
22 So rude was I, and ignorant,
and in thy sight a beast.
23 Nevertheless continually,
O Lord, I am with thee:
Thou dost me hold by my right hand,
and still upholdest me.
24 Thou, with thy counsel, while I live,
wilt me conduct and guide;
And to thy glory afterward
receive me to abide.
25 Whom have I in the heavens high
but thee, O Lord, alone?
And in the earth whom I desire
besides thee there is none.
26 My flesh and heart doth faint and fail,
but God doth fail me never:
For of my heart God is the strength
and portion for ever.
27 For, lo, they that are far from thee
for ever perish shall;
Them that a whoring from thee go
thou hast destroyed all.
28 But surely it is good for me
that I draw near to God:
In God I trust, that all thy works
I may declare abroad.
Maschil of Asaph.
This psalm relates to the destruction of the city and temple of Jerusalem by the Chaldeans, or to some similar disaster. In it we have, (1.) The church's bitter complaints of God's displeasure; of the outrage of her enemies; and of the apparent hopelessness of her case, ver. 1-11. (2.) Strong and heart-encouraging pleadings with God, upon the account of his relation to his people, and of the great things he had done for them, and that he was at once their God and the God of nature; that therefore he would remember to execute just vengeance upon his sworn enemies, and grant help and relief to his covenant people, ver. 12-23.
While I sing this, let me admire the sovereignty and holiness of God, in so severely correcting his own people. And let the broken, the deserted condition of the church, in this land, deeply affect my heart, and excite my earnest prayers for her restoration.
1 O God, why hast thou cast us off?
is it for evermore?
Against thy pasture-sheep why doth
thine anger smoke so sore?
2 O call to thy rememberance
thy congregation,
Which thou hast purchased of old;
still think the same upon:
The rod of thine inheritance,
which thou redeemed hast,
This Sion hill, wherein thou hadst
thy dwelling in times past.
3 To these long desolations
thy feet lift, do not tarry;
For all the ills thy foes have done
within thy sanctuary.
4 Amidst thy congregations
thine enemies do roar:
Their ensigns they set up for signs
of triumph thee before.
5 A man was famous, and was had
in estimation,
According as he lifted up
his axe thick trees upon.
6 But all at once with axes now
and hammers they go to,
And down the carved work thereof
they break, and quite undo.
7 They fired have thy sanctuary,
and have defil'd the same,
By casting down unto the ground
the place where dwelt thy name.
8 Thus said they in their hearts, Let us
destroy them out of hand:
They burnt up all the synagogues
of God within the land.
9 Our signs we do not now behold;
there is not us among
A prophet more, nor any one
that knows the time how long.
10 How long, Lord, shall the enemy
thus in reproach exclaim?
And shall the adversary thus
always blaspheme thy name?
11 Thy hand, ev'n thy right hand of might,
why dost thou thus draw back?
O from thy bosom pluck it out
for our deliv'rance sake.
12 For certainly God is my King,
ev'n from the times of old,
Working in midst of all the earth
salvation manifold.
13 The sea, by thy great pow'r, to part
asunder thou didst make;
And thou the dragons' heads, O Lord,
within the waters brake.
14 The leviathan's head thou brak'st
in pieces, and didst give
Him to be meat unto the folk
in wilderness that live.
15 Thou clav'st the fountain and the flood,
which did with streams abound:
Thou dry'dst the mighty waters up
unto the very ground.
16 Thine only is the day, O Lord,
thine also is the night;
And thou alone prepared hast
the sun and shining light.
17 By thee the borders of the earth
were settled ev'ry where:
The summer and the winter both
by thee created were.
18 That th' enemy reproached hath,
O keep it in record;
And that the foolish people have
blasphem'd thy name, O Lord.
19 Unto the multitude do not
thy turtle's soul deliver:
The congregation of thy poor
do not forget for ever.
20 Unto thy cov'nant have respect;
for earth's dark places be
Full of the habitations
of horrid cruelty.
21 O let not those that be oppress'd
return again with shame:
Let those that poor and needy are
give praise unto thy name.
22 Do thou, O God, arise and plead
the cause that is thine own:
Remember how thou art reproach'd
still by the foolish one.
23 Do not forget the voice of those
that are thine enemies:
Of those the tumult ever grows
that do against thee rise.
To the chief Musician, Al-taschith,
A Psalm or Song of Asaph.
Here, (1.) David returns thanks to God for advancing him to the throne of Israel, and resolves to act for the public welfare, ver. 1-3, 9-10. (2.) He rebukes the insolence of such as opposed his advancement, which sprung from the sovereign disposal of God, the judge of the world, and denounceth their destruction, ver. 4-8.
While I sing, let me think of Jesus, whom God hath crowned with glory and honour, and of the infinite danger of opposing his government. And if he exalt me to the spiritual honours of his kingdom, let it be my care to glorify him, and to profit his people.
1 To thee, O God, do we give thanks,
we do give thanks to thee;
Because thy wondrous works declare
thy great name near to be.
2 I purpose, when I shall receive
the congregation,
That I shall judgment uprightly
render to ev'ry one.
3 Dissolved is the land, with all
that in the same do dwell;
But I the pillars thereof do
bear up, and stablish well.
4 I to the foolish people said,
Do not deal foolishly;
And unto those that wicked are,
Lift not your horn on high.
5 Lift not your horn on high, nor speak
6 with stubborn neck. But know,
That not from east, nor west, nor south,
promotion doth flow.
7 But God is judge; he puts down one,
and sets another up.
8 For in the hand of God most high
of red wine is a cup:
'Tis full of mixture, he pours forth,
and makes the wicked all
Wring out the bitter dregs thereof;
yea, and they drink them shall.
9 But I for ever will declare,
I Jacob's God will praise.
10 All horns of lewd men I'll cut off;
but just men's horns will raise.
To the chief Musician on Neginoth,
A Psalm or Song of Asaph.
This psalm is like to the 48th, and was penned on occasion of some remarkable victory; but whether in the days of David, Asa, Jehoshaphat, or Hezekiah (2 Chron. 14, 20, 32), is uncertain. We have in it, (1.) Encouraging congratulations of the church's happiness, in having God so manifested in her, and so near unto her; and in having his power so employed in her behalf, to the advancement of his own glory, and the destruction of her enemies, ver. 1-6. (2.) Important instructions how to improve this victory, to the terror of enemies, the comfort of saints, and the excitement of all to vow to God, and to obey and revere him, ver. 7-12.
While I sing this psalm, let my soul bless the Lord, that my lot hath been always cast in a land of gospel light. Let me, with thankful heart, remember what he hath done for this church and land; and give him the praise of every deliverance. Let me never fear the rage of men; but in every danger and doubt commit my way to God, that he may bring it to pass.
1 In Judah's land God is well known,
his name's in Isr'el great:
2 In Salem is his tabernacle,
in Sion is his seat.
3 There arrows of the bow he brake,
the shield, the sword, the war.
4 More glorious thou than hills of prey,
more excellent art far.
5 Those that were stout of heart are spoil'd,
they slept their sleep outright;
And none of those their hands did find,
that were the men of might.
6 When thy rebuke, O Jacob's God,
had forth against them past,
Their horses and their chariots both
were in a dead sleep cast.
7 Thou, Lord, ev'n thou art he that should
be fear'd; and who is he
That may stand up before thy sight,
if once thou angry be?
8 From heav'n thou judgment caus'd be heard;
the earth was still with fear,
9 When God to judgment rose, to save
all meek on earth that were.
10 Surely the very wrath of man
unto thy praise redounds:
Thou to the remnant of his wrath
wilt set restraining bounds.
11 Vow to the Lord your God, and pay:
all ye that near him be,
Bring gifts and presents unto him;
for to be fear'd is he.
12 By him the sp'rits shall be cut off
of those that princes are:
Unto the kings that are on earth
he fearful doth appear.
To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun,
A Psalm of Asaph.
This psalm relates to, (1.) A most afflicted case, in which are remarkable, fervent, and incessant prayers, agonizing restlessness, heart-overwhelming meditations, melancholy fears, and almost desperate outcries, concerning God, ver. 1-9. (2.) The effectual cure of this mournful case, by serious meditation on, and solemn acknowledgment of the power, greatness, and grace of God, as our God; and of the holiness and mysteriousness of his providential conduct; particularly in bringing Israel out of Egypt, and leading them through the wilderness, to the promised land, ver. 10-20.
While I sing, let me stand in awe of that God, who so chastiseth his favourite saints. Let me sympathize with men of wounded spirits. If my soul is overwhelmed within me, let me call to mind the gracious character, and great works of my God, for his church, or for my soul.
1 Unto the Lord I with my voice,
I unto God did cry;
Ev'n with my voice, and unto me
his ear he did apply.
2 I in my trouble sought the Lord,
my sore by night did run,
And ceased not; my grieved soul
did consolation shun.
3 I to remembrance God did call,
yet trouble did remain;
And overwhelm'd my spirit was,
whilst I did sore complain.
4 Mine eyes, debarr'd from rest and sleep,
thou makest still to wake;
My trouble is so great that I
unable am to speak.
5 The days of old to mind I call'd,
and oft did think upon
The times and ages that are past
full many years agone.
6 By night my song I call to mind,
and commune with my heart;
My sp'rit did carefully enquire
how I might ease my smart.
7 For ever will the Lord cast off,
and gracious be no more?
8 For ever is his mercy gone?
fails his word evermore?
9 Is't true that to be gracious
the Lord forgotten hath?
And that his tender mercies he
hath shut up in his wrath?
10 Then did I say, That surely this
is mine infirmity:
I'll mind the years of the right hand
of him that is most High.
11 Yea, I remember will the works
performed by the Lord:
The wonders done of old by thee
I surely will record.
12 I also will of all thy works
my meditation make;
And of thy doings to discourse
great pleasure I will take.
13 O God, thy way most holy is
within thy sanctuary;
And what god is so great in pow'r
as is our God most high?
14 Thou art the God that wonders do'st
by thy right hand most strong:
Thy mighty pow'r thou hast declar'd
the nations among.
15 To thine own people with thine arm
thou didst redemption bring;
To Jacob's sons, and to the tribes
of Joseph that do spring.
16 The waters, Lord, perceived thee,
the waters saw thee well;
And they for fear aside did flee;
the depths on trembling fell.
17 The clouds in water forth were pour'd,
sound loudly did the sky;
And swiftly through the world abroad
thine arrows fierce did fly.
18 Thy thunder's voice alongst the heav'n
a mighty noise did make;
By lightnings lighten'd was the world,
th' earth tremble did and shake.
19 Thy way is in the sea, and in
the waters great thy path;
Yet are thy footsteps hid, O Lord;
none knowledge thereof hath.
20 Thy people thou didst safely lead,
like to a flock of sheep;
By Moses' hand and Aaron's thou
didst them conduct and keep.
Maschil of Asaph.
This psalm is but a brief instructive history of the transactions between Israel and their God, for about four hundred and eighty years, from Moses to David. Here is, (1.) The introduction, containing a solemn call to an attentive consideration of God's words and works, in order to a faithful transmitting of the knowledge thereof to posterity, that they might set their hope in God, and reform from their fathers' wickedness, ver. 1-8. (2.) The history itself, in which are exhibited, 1. God's favours to Israel before their settlement in Canaan, in plaguing the Egyptians; in dividing the Red Sea; in giving them water from the rock, and manna from heaven; in bringing them into Canaan, notwithstanding their unnumbered provocations, particularly their forgetfulness of his mighty works, their ingratitude for his favours, their murmuring against his trying dispensations, their eagerness to satiate their lusts with his benefits, their impenitent obduracy, or hypocritical repentance under his rebukes, ver. 9-55. 2. Their ingratitude, treachery, and idolatry, after their entrance into Canaan; with God's righteous resentment thereof, in removing his tabernacle from Shiloh, and in delivering up his ark and people into the hand of the Philistines, ver. 56-64. 3. God's merciful return to them, in obliging the Philistines, by the plague of emrods, to restore his ark; in at length providing an habitation for it at Jerusalem; and in raising up and qualifying David, a descendant of Judah, to govern them in a manner both honourable and happy, ver. 65-72. These things are more largely recorded in the books of Exodus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, 1st and 2nd Samuel, and part of 1st Kings.
While I sing, let me, with grief and shame, remember my own and my fathers' transgressions against the Lord. Let me adore the infinite patience, power, and mercy, holiness and equity of God. Let me bless his holy name, for the multitude of his undeserved favours towards me, and towards the church. And though he cause grief, let me hope that, in due time, he will have compassion.
1 Attend, my people, to my law;
thereto give thou an ear;
The words that from my mouth proceed
attentively do hear.
2 My mouth shall speak a parable,
and sayings dark of old;
3 The same which we have heard and known,
and us our fathers told.
4 We also will them not conceal
from their posterity;
Them to the generation
to come declare will we:
The praises of the Lord our God,
and his almighty strength,
The wondrous works that he hath done,
we will shew forth at length.
5 His testimony and his law
in Isr'el he did place,
And charg'd our fathers it to show
to their succeeding race;
6 That so the race which was to come
might well them learn and know;
And sons unborn, who should arise,
might to their sons them show:
7 That they might set their hope in God,
and suffer not to fall
His mighty works out of their mind,
but keep his precepts all:
8 And might not, like their fathers, be
a stiff rebellious race;
A race not right in heart; with God
whose sp'rit not stedfast was.
9 The sons of Ephraim, who nor bows
nor other arms did lack,
When as the day of battle was,
they faintly turned back.
10 They brake God's cov'nant, and refus'd
in his commands to go;
11 His works and wonders they forgot,
which he to them did show.
12 Things marvellous he brought to pass;
their fathers them beheld
Within the land of Egypt done,
yea, ev'n in Zoan's field.
13 By him divided was the sea,
he caus'd them through to pass;
And made the waters so to stand,
as like an heap it was.
14 With cloud by day, with light of fire
all night, he did them guide.
15 In desert rocks he clave, and drink,
as from great depths, supply'd.
16 He from the rock brought streams, like floods
made waters to run down.
17 Yet sinning more, in desert they
provok'd the Highest One.
18 For in their heart they tempted God,
and, speaking with mistrust,
They greedily did meat require
to satisfy their lust.
19 Against the Lord himself they spake,
and, murmuring, said thus,
A table in the wilderness
can God prepare for us?
20 Behold, he smote the rock, and thence
came streams and waters great;
But can he give his people bread?
and send them flesh to eat?
21 The Lord did hear, and waxed wroth;
so kindled was a flame
'Gainst Jacob, and 'gainst Israel
up indignation came.
22 For they believ'd not God, nor trust
in his salvation had;
23 Though clouds above he did command,
and heav'n's doors open made,
24 And manna rain'd on them, and gave
them corn of heav'n to eat.
25 Man angels' food did eat; to them
he to the full sent meat.
26 And in the heaven he did cause
an eastern wind to blow;
And by his power he let out
the southern wind to go.
27 Then flesh as thick as dust he made
to rain down them among;
And feather'd fowls, like as the sand
which li'th the shore along.
28 At his command amidst their camp
these show'rs of flesh down fell,
All round about the tabernacles
and tents where they did dwell.
29 So they did eat abundantly,
and had of meat their fill;
For he did give to them what was
their own desire and will.
30 They from their lust had not estrang'd
their heart and their desire;
But while the meat was in their mouths,
which they did so require,
31 God's wrath upon them came, and slew
the fattest of them all;
So that the choice of Israel,
o'erthrown by death, did fall.
32 Yet, notwithstanding of all this,
they sinned still the more;
And though he had great wonders wrought,
believ'd him not therefore:
33 Wherefore their days in vanity
he did consume and waste;
And by his wrath their wretched years
away in trouble past.
34 But when he slew them, then they did
to seek him shew desire;
Yea, they return'd, and after God
right early did enquire.
35 And that the Lord had been their Rock,
they did remember then;
Ev'n that the high almighty God
had their Redeemer been.
36 Yet with their mouth they flatter'd him,
and spake but feignedly;
And they unto the God of truth
with their false tongues did lie.
37 For though their words were good, their heart
with him was not sincere;
Unstedfast and perfidious
they in his cov'nant were.
38 But, full of pity, he forgave
their sin, them did not slay;
Nor stirr'd up all his wrath, but oft
his anger turn'd away.
39 For that they were but fading flesh
to mind he did recall;
A wind that passeth soon away,
and not returns at all.
40 How often did they him provoke
within the wilderness!
And in the desert did him grieve
with their rebelliousness!
41 Yea, turning back, they tempted God,
and limits set upon
Him, who in midst of Isr'el is
the only Holy One.
42 They did not call to mind his pow'r,
nor yet the day when he
Deliver'd them out of the hand
of their fierce enemy;
43 Nor how great signs in Egypt land
he openly had wrought;
What miracles in Zoan's field
his hand to pass had brought.
44 How lakes and rivers ev'ry where
he turned into blood;
So that nor man nor beast could drink
of standing lake or flood.
45 He brought among them swarms of flies,
which did them sore annoy;
And divers kinds of filthy frogs
he sent them to destroy.
46 He to the caterpillar gave
the fruits of all their soil;
Their labours he deliver'd up
unto the locusts' spoil.
47 Their vines with hail, their sycamores
he with the frost did blast:
48 Their beasts to hail he gave; their flocks
hot thunderbolts did waste.
49 Fierce burning wrath he on them cast,
and indignation strong,
And troubles sore, by sending forth
ill angels them among.
50 He to his wrath made way; their soul
from death he did not save;
But over to the pestilence
the lives of them he gave.
51 In Egypt land the first-born all
he smote down ev'ry where;
Among the tents of Ham, ev'n these
chief of their strength that were.
52 But his own people, like to sheep,
thence to go forth he made;
And he, amidst the wilderness,
them, as a flock, did lead.
53 And he them safely on did lead,
so that they did not fear;
Whereas their en'mies by the sea
quite overwhelmed were.
54 To borders of his sanctuary
the Lord his people led,
Ev'n to the mount which his right hand
for them had purchased.
55 The nations of Canaan,
by his almighty hand,
Before their face he did expel
out of their native land;
Which for inheritance to them
by line he did divide,
And made the tribes of Israel
within their tents abide.
56 Yet God most high they did provoke,
and tempted ever still;
And to observe his testimonies
did not incline their will:
57 But, like their fathers, turned back,
and dealt unfaithfully:
Aside they turned, like a bow
that shoots deceitfully.
58 For they to anger did provoke
him with their places high;
And with their graven images
mov'd him to jealousy.
59 When God heard this, he waxed wroth,
and much loath'd Isr'el then:
60 So Shiloh's tent he left, the tent
which he had plac'd with men.
61 And he his strength delivered
into captivity;
He left his glory in the hand
of his proud enemy.
62 His people also he gave o'er
unto the sword's fierce rage:
So sore his wrath inflamed was
against his heritage.
63 The fire consum'd their choice young men;
their maids no marriage had;
64 And when their priests fell by the sword,
their wives no mourning made.
65 But then the Lord arose, as one
that doth from sleep awake;
And like a giant that, by wine
refresh'd, a shout doth make:
66 Upon his en'mies' hinder parts
he made his stroke to fall;
And so upon them he did put
a shame perpetual.
67 Moreover, he the tabernacle
of Joseph did refuse;
The mighty tribe of Ephraim
he would in no wise chuse:
68 But he did chuse Jehudah's tribe
to be the rest above;
And of mount Sion he made choice,
which he so much did love.
69 And he his sanctuary built
like to a palace high,
Like to the earth which he did found
to perpetuity.
70 Of David, that his servant was,
he also choice did make,
And even from the folds of sheep
was pleased him to take:
71 From waiting on the ewes with young,
he brought him forth to feed
Israel, his inheritance,
his people, Jacob's seed.
72 So after the integrity
he of his heart them fed;
And by the good skill of his hands
them wisely governed.
A Psalm of Asaph.
This psalm relates to the havoc made of the Jewish capital and nation, by the Chaldeans and Syro-Grecians, as typical of the afflictions of the gospel church. Observe, (1.) How deplorable the condition of these people of God was, when their enemies raged against their dwellings, persons, and characters; and their God himself long continued the tokens of his just displeasure, ver. 1-5. (2.) Their humble, but fervent supplications, for the just punishment of their heathen enemies; and for divine pity, pardon, and help to themselves, ver. 6-12. (3.) The pleas wherewith they enforce their requests, viz. God's relation to them, as their God and shepherd; and the tendency of what they asked to promote the declarative glory of his name, ver. 1, 6, 9-10, 13.
While I sing, let my soul have a deep sympathy with the afflicted members of Christ. Let me bless his holy name, that I am not in similar circumstances. Let me lay before the Lord the spiritual injuries which Satan and my lusts have done to my soul, and to the church of God; and let me cry earnestly for his merciful rising up to destroy them, and to show me his salvation.
1 O God, the heathen enter'd have
thine heritage; by them
Defiled is thy house: on heaps
they laid Jerusalem.
2 The bodies of thy servants they
have cast forth to be meat
To rav'nous fowls; thy dear saints' flesh
they gave to beasts to eat.
3 Their blood about Jerusalem
like water they have shed;
And there was none to bury them
when they were slain and dead.
4 Unto our neighbours a reproach
most base become are we;
A scorn and laughingstock to them
that round about us be.
5 How long, Lord, shall thine anger last?
wilt thou still keep the same?
And shall thy fervent jealousy
burn like unto a flame?
6 On heathen pour thy fury forth,
that have thee never known,
And on those kingdoms which thy name
have never call'd upon.
7 For these are they who Jacob have
devoured cruelly;
And they his habitation
have caused waste to lie.
8 Against us mind not former sins;
thy tender mercies show;
Let them prevent us speedily,
for we're brought very low.
9 For thy name's glory help us, Lord,
who hast our Saviour been:
Deliver us; for thy name's sake,
O purge away our sin.
10 Why say the heathen, Where's their God?
let him to them be known;
When those who shed thy servants' blood
are in our sight o'erthrown.
11 O let the pris'ner's sighs ascend
before thy sight on high;
Preserve those in thy mighty pow'r
that are design'd to die.
12 And to our neighbours' bosom cause
it sev'n-fold render'd be,
Ev'n the reproach wherewith they have,
O Lord, reproached thee.
13 So we thy folk, and pasture-sheep,
shall give thee thanks always;
And unto generations all
we will shew forth thy praise.
To the chief musician upon Shoshannim, Eduth,
A Psalm of Asaph.
This psalm relates to the distressed condition of the Hebrew church and nation, perhaps during the Syrian, Assyrian, or Chaldean invasions, 2 Kings 12-13, 15, 17-19, 24-25. Here are, (1.) Earnest supplications for God's special presence and favour, ver. 1-3, 7, 19. (2.) Mournful complaints of the lasting appearances of God's anger; of the overflowings of their grief; of abuse and derision by their neighbours; and of the unhinging of their constitution, which God himself had fixed, when he brought them out of Egypt, ver. 4-13. (3.) Further supplications, that God would consider and pity his vineyard, their church and nation; assist their king, his vine-dresser; and convert them to, and quicken them in, his service, ver. 14-19.
While I sing, let me be affected with the distresses of God's church. Let me pant for the fullest manifestations of his glory, and the blessings of his presence. Let me insist that his Spirit may glorify Jesus Christ, the Man of his right hand, in taking what is his, and showing it unto me.
1 Hear, Isr'el's Shepherd! like a flock
thou that dost Joseph guide;
Shine forth, O thou that dost between
the cherubims abide.
2 In Ephraim's, and Benjamin's
and in Manasseh's sight,
O come for our salvation;
stir up thy strength and might.
3 Turn us again, O Lord our God,
and upon us vouchsafe
To make thy countenance to shine,
and so we shall be safe.
4 O Lord of hosts, almighty God,
how long shall kindled be
Thy wrath against the prayer made
by thine own folk to thee?
5 Thou tears of sorrow giv'st to them
instead of bread to eat;
Yea, tears instead of drink thou giv'st
to them in measure great.
6 Thou makest us a strife unto
our neighbours round about;
Our enemies among themselves
at us do laugh and flout.
7 Turn us again, O God of hosts,
and upon us vouchsafe
To make thy countenance to shine,
and so we shall be safe.
8 A vine from Egypt brought thou hast,
by thine outstretched hand;
And thou the heathen out didst cast,
to plant it in their land.
9 Before it thou a room didst make,
where it might grow and stand;
Thou causedst it deep root to take,
and it did fill the land.
10 The mountains vail'd were with its shade,
as with a covering;
Like goodly cedars were the boughs
which out from it did spring.
11 Upon the one hand to the sea
her boughs she did out send;
On th' other side unto the flood
her branches did extend.
12 Why hast thou then thus broken down,
and ta'en her hedge away?
So that all passengers do pluck,
and make of her a prey.
13 The boar who from the forest comes
doth waste it at his pleasure;
The wild beast of the field also
devours it out of measure.
14 O God of hosts, we thee beseech,
return now unto thine;
Look down from heav'n in love, behold,
and visit this thy vine:
15 This vineyard, which thine own right hand
hath planted us among;
And that same branch, which for thyself
thou hast made to be strong.
16 Burnt up it is with flaming fire,
it also is cut down:
They utterly are perished,
when as thy face doth frown.
17 O let thy hand be still upon
the Man of thy right hand,
The Son of man, whom for thyself
thou madest strong to stand.
18 So henceforth we will not go back,
nor turn from thee at all:
O do thou quicken us, and we
upon thy name will call.
19 Turn us again, Lord God of hosts,
and upon us vouchsafe
To make thy countenance to shine,
and so we shall be safe.
To the chief Musician upon Gittith,
A Psalm of Asaph.
This psalm was probably composed for the Feast of Trumpets, on the first day of the seventh month, Lev. 23:24. Here are, (1.) Solemn exhortations to praise God for what he is to his people, and for what he hath done for them, ver. 1-7. (2.) Instructions concerning God's new-covenant grant of himself and his benefits to men; their ungrateful refusal thereof; and the misery they incur, and happiness they lose thereby, ver. 8-16.
While I sing, let my soul consider what God is to, hath done for, and given to men to me: and let all my inward powers steadfastly believe his declarations, and eagerly embrace his offers. Let my heart be filled with grief, that ever I refused to hear my own gracious God speaking from heaven, and offering to me all the unsearchable riches of Christ.
1 Sing loud to God our strength; with joy
to Jacob's God do sing.
2 Take up a psalm, the pleasant harp,
timbrel and psalt'ry bring.
3 Blow trumpets at new-moon, what day
our feast appointed is:
4 For charge to Isr'el, and a law
of Jacob's God was this.
5 To Joseph this a testimony
he made, when Egypt land
He travell'd through, where speech I heard
I did not understand.
6 His shoulder I from burdens took,
his hands from pots did free.
7 Thou didst in trouble on me call,
and I deliver'd thee:
In secret place of thundering
I did thee answer make;
And at the streams of Meribah
of thee a proof did take.
8 O thou, my people, give an ear,
I'll testify to thee;
To thee, O Isr'el, if thou wilt
but hearken unto me.
9 In midst of thee there shall not be
any strange god at all;
Nor unto any god unknown
thou bowing down shalt fall.
10 I am the Lord thy God, which did
from Egypt land thee guide;
I'll fill thy mouth abundantly,
do thou it open wide.
11 But yet my people to my voice
would not attentive be;
And ev'n my chosen Israel
he would have none of me.
12 So to the lust of their own hearts
I them delivered;
And then in counsels of their own
they vainly wandered.
13 O that my people had me heard,
Isr'el my ways had chose!
14 I had their en'mies soon subdu'd,
my hand turn'd on their foes.
15 The haters of the Lord to him
submission should have feign'd;
But as for them, their time should have
for evermore remain'd.
16 He should have also fed them with
the finest of the wheat;
Of honey from the rock thy fill
I should have made thee eat.
A Psalm of Asaph.
This psalm was probably penned for the direction and warning of the Jewish courts of judicature. It represents, (1.) The dignity of magistrates, and their dependence on God as their sovereign Governor and Judge, ver. 1, 6. (2.) Their duty, ver. 3-4. (3.) Their too frequent degeneracy and mischievousness, and the just punishment thereof, ver. 2, 5, 7. (4.) The saint's request for the establishment of God's kingdom in the world, ver. 8.
While I sing, let me stand in awe of Jehovah's authority and presence. Let me remember I must be answerable to him for all my conduct. Let me be affected with my meanness and corruption. Let me revere magistrates as the deputies of God on earth. And in every station in which God hath placed me, let my care be, in all things to live honestly, and to cry mightily that the kingdoms of this world may quickly be made the kingdoms of my Lord and of his Christ.
1 In gods' assembly God doth stand;
he judgeth gods among.
2 How long, accepting persons vile,
will ye give judgment wrong?
3 Defend the poor and fatherless;
to poor oppress'd do right.
4 The poor and needy ones set free;
rid them from ill men's might.
5 They know not, nor will understand;
in darkness they walk on:
All the foundations of the earth
out of their course are gone.
6 I said that ye are gods, and are
sons of the Highest all:
7 But ye shall die like men, and as
one of the princes fall.
8 O God, do thou raise up thyself,
the earth to judgment call:
For thou, as thine inheritance,
shalt take the nations all.
A Song or Psalm of Asaph.
This psalm relates to some combinations of the Heathens around, against the Hebrews, either in the days of David, 2 Sam. 8 or 10, or of Jehoshaphat, 2 Chron. 20. It contains, (1.) A solemn remonstrance to God concerning their malicious designs against his church and honour, ver. 1-8. (2.) Fervent supplications to God that he would defeat these attempts; protect and preserve his church; humble his enemies, and glorify himself in the world, ver. 9-18.
While I sing, let me be affected with the inward combinations of my own lusts with Satan and the world, and with the joint endeavours of open enemies and naughty professors against the church and interests of Christ; and commit the cause to God who judgeth righteously.
1 Keep not, O God, we thee entreat,
O keep not silence now:
Do thou not hold thy peace, O God,
and still no more be thou.
2 For, lo, thine enemies a noise
tumultuously have made;
And they that haters are of thee
have lifted up the head.
3 Against thy chosen people they
do crafty counsel take;
And they against thy hidden ones
do consultations make.
4 Come, let us cut them off, said they,
from being a nation,
That of the name of Isr'el may
no more be mention.
5 For with joint heart they plot, in league
against thee they combine.
6 The tents of Edom, Ishm'elites,
Moab's and Hagar's line;
7 Gebal, and Ammon, Amalek,
Philistines, those of Tyre;
8 And Assur join'd with them, to help
Lot's children they conspire.
9 Do to them as to Midian,
Jabin at Kison strand;
10 And Sis'ra, which at En-dor fell,
as dung to fat the land.
11 Like Oreb and like Zeeb make
their noble men to fall;
Like Zeba and Zalmunna like,
make thou their princes all;
12 Who said, For our possession
let us God's houses take.
13 My God, them like a wheel, as chaff
before the wind, them make.
14 As fire consumes the wood, as flame
doth mountains set on fire,
15 Chase and affright them with the storm
and tempest of thine ire.
16 Their faces fill with shame, O Lord,
that they may seek thy name.
17 Let them confounded be, and vex'd,
and perish in their shame:
18 That men may know that thou, to whom
alone doth appertain
The name Jehovah, dost most high
o'er all the earth remain.
To the chief Musician upon Gittith,
A Psalm for the sons of Korah.
This psalm is much like the 27th, 42nd, 43rd, and 63rd, and may have been composed on the same occasion with the former, when David was banished from Jerusalem by Absalom his son, 2 Sam. 15-16. We have here, (1.) David's ardent affection towards the public ordinances of God, and sense of their happiness who enjoyed them, ver. 1-7, 10. (2.) His heart-burning desire to the God of ordinances, ver. 8-9. (3.) His assured faith of God's kindness, and persuasion of the happiness of such as trust in him, ver. 11-12.
So let my heart cry out for God, the living God. So let me covet earnestly intimate fellowship with him in his ordinances. So let me praise his name, and hold on in his way, till I arrive at the Zion above. So let God be my friend, my protector, my supplier, my store, and the everlasting rock of my rest.
1 How lovely is thy dwelling-place,
O Lord of hosts, to me!
The tabernacles of thy grace
how pleasant, Lord, they be!
2 My thirsty soul longs veh'mently,
yea faints, thy courts to see:
My very heart and flesh cry out,
O living God, for thee.
3 Behold, the sparrow findeth out
an house wherein to rest;
The swallow also for herself
hath purchased a nest;
Ev'n thine own altars,* where she safe
her young ones forth may bring,
O thou almighty Lord of hosts,
who art my God and King.
4 Bless'd are they in thy house that dwell,
they ever give thee praise.
5 Bless'd is the man whose strength thou art,
in whose heart are thy ways:
6 Who passing thorough Baca's vale,
therein do dig up wells;
Also the rain that falleth down
the pools with water fills.
7 So they from strength unwearied go
still forward unto strength,
Until in Sion they appear
before the Lord at length.
8 Lord God of hosts, my prayer hear;
O Jacob's God, give ear.
9 See God our shield, look on the face
of thine anointed dear.
10 For in thy courts one day excels
a thousand; rather in
My God's house will I keep a door,
than dwell in tents of sin.
11 For God the Lord's a sun and shield:
he'll grace and glory give;
And will withhold no good from them
that uprightly do live.
12 O thou that art the Lord of hosts,
that man is truly blest,
Who by assured confidence
on thee alone doth rest.
* To me it is inconceivable, how sparrows or swallows could fix their nests in the altars of God, which were of brass or rough stones, and had a fire perpetually burning upon them, and multitudes of priests and Levites crowding around them. God did not allow of any trees to be planted near them; and I cannot believe God's tabernacle or temple was polluted with the nests and ordure of birds, in the manner of our ruinous churches. Nor can I see this idea answerable to the context, or scope of the psalm. Might not the verse be rather translated, "As the sparrow findeth the house, and the swallow the nest for herself, where she hath put her young ones, my soul findeth thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God" i.e. with inexpressible ardour I long for, and desire them; and with ineffable pleasure I approach them, in order to intimate fellowship with my God. Compare ver. 1-2, 10 of this psalm, with Psalm 42:1-2; 43:3-4.
To the chief Musician,
A Psalm for the sons of Korah.
This psalm relates to some remarkable deliverance of the Jewish nation; but whether that effected by the advancement of David to the throne, or that from the Assyrian invasion, 2 Kings 19, or from the Chaldean captivity, Ezra 1, is uncertain. It contains, (1.) Thankful acknowledgments of divine favours received, ver. 1-3. (2.) Supplications that further favours and deliverances may be speedily bestowed, ver. 4-7. (3.) Firm expectations of a gracious answer, in the coming, mediation, and blessings, of the Messiah, ver. 8-13.
While I sing, let my soul be affected with the mercies, which I, which my country, which the church of God, have enjoyed. Let me be thereby encouraged to plead for more. And let me, without doubting, credit the promises, and expect supply from the fulness of Christ.
1 O Lord, thou hast been favourable
to thy beloved land:
Jacob's captivity thou hast
recall'd with mighty hand.
2 Thou pardoned thy people hast
all their iniquities;
Thou all their trespasses and sins
hast cover'd from thine eyes.
3 Thou took'st off all thine ire, and turn'dst
from thy wrath's furiousness.
4 Turn us, God of our health, and cause
thy wrath 'gainst us to cease.
5 Shall thy displeasure thus endure
against us without end?
Wilt thou to generations all
thine anger forth extend?
6 That in thee may thy people joy,
wilt thou not us revive?
7 Shew us thy mercy, Lord, to us
do thy salvation give.
8 I'll hear what God the Lord will speak:
to his folk he'll speak peace,
And to his saints; but let them not
return to foolishness.
9 To them that fear him surely near
is his salvation;
That glory in our land may have
her habitation.
10 Truth met with mercy, righteousness
and peace kiss'd mutually:
11 Truth springs from earth, and righteousness
looks down from heaven high.
12 Yea, what is good the Lord shall give;
our land shall yield increase:
13 Justice, to set us in his steps,
shall go before his face.
A Prayer of David.
This psalm contains, (1.) David's fervent supplications, that God would hear his prayers, ver. 1, 6-7; mercifully preserve and save him, ver. 2-3, 16; and afford him joy, strength, and honour, ver. 4, 11, 17. (2.) His pleas, wherewith he enforceth his prayers, drawn from the goodness of God, ver. 5, 13, 15; his own relations to, and trust in God, ver. 2, 4, 16; his former experience of God's kindness, ver 17; and from the malice of his enemies, ver. 14. (3.) His ascription of praise to God, as matchless in his nature and work; as the sole object of worship; and as great and infinitely gracious, ver. 8-10, 12-13.
While I sing, let me remember, that the psalmist hath left me an example, that I should walk in his steps.
1 O Lord, do thou bow down thine ear,
and hear me graciously;
Because I sore afflicted am,
and am in poverty.
2 Because I'm holy, let my soul
by thee preserved be:
O thou my God, thy servant save,
that puts his trust in thee.
3 Sith unto thee I daily cry,
be merciful to me.
4 Rejoice thy servant's soul; for, Lord,
I lift my soul to thee.
5 For thou art gracious, O Lord,
and ready to forgive;
And rich in mercy, all that call
upon thee to relieve.
6 Hear, Lord, my pray'r; unto the voice
of my request attend:
7 In troublous times I'll call on thee;
for thou wilt answer send.
8 Lord, there is none among the gods
that may with thee compare;
And like the works which thou hast done,
not any work is there.
9 All nations whom thou mad'st shall come
and worship rev'rently
Before thy face; and they, O Lord,
thy name shall glorify.
10 Because thou art exceeding great,
and works by thee are done
Which are to be admir'd; and thou
art God thyself alone.
11 Teach me thy way, and in thy truth,
O Lord, then walk will I;
Unite my heart, that I thy name
may fear continually.
12 O Lord my God, with all my heart
to thee I will give praise;
And I the glory will ascribe
unto thy name always:
13 Because thy mercy toward me
in greatness doth excel;
And thou deliver'd hast my soul
out from the lowest hell.
14 O God, the proud against me rise,
and vi'lent men have met,
That for my soul have sought; and thee
before them have not set.
15 But thou art full of pity, Lord,
a God most gracious,
Long-suffering, and in thy truth
and mercy plenteous.
16 O turn to me thy countenance,
and mercy on me have;
Thy servant strengthen, and the son
of thine own handmaid save.
17 Shew me a sign for good, that they
which do me hate may see,
And be asham'd; because thou, Lord,
didst help and comfort me.
A Psalm or Song for the sons of Korah.
This psalm is an encomium upon mount Zion, as typical of the gospel church. (1.) For the sake of the temple, mount Zion is preferred to every other place in Canaan; as more honoured by God and more delighted in by him, ver. 1-3. (2.) In respect of better inhabitants, greater stability, and more important joys and blessings, the church is preferred to all other nations, ver. 4-7.
While I sing, let me observe the dignity of relation to Jehovah as my God. Let me praise him for founding his church on Jesus the unmoveable Rock of ages, that the gates of hell cannot prevail against her. Let me rejoice in the glorious promises made concerning her, and supplicate the speedy, the remarkable fulfilment thereof. And while I with joy draw water out of her ordinances, her wells of salvation, let me live as an holy, a cheerful member of her society.
1 Upon the hills of holiness
he his foundation sets.
2 God, more than Jacob's dwellings all,
delights in Sion's gates.
3 Things glorious are said of thee,
thou city of the Lord.
4 Rahab and Babel I, to those
that know me, will record:
Behold ev'n Tyrus, and with it
the land of Palestine,
And likewise Ethiopia;
this man was born therein.
5 And it of Sion shall be said,
This man and that man there
Was born; and he that is most High
himself shall stablish her.
6 When God the people writes, he'll count
that this man born was there.
7 There be that sing and play; and all
my well-springs in thee are.
A Song or Psalm for the sons of Korah, to the chief Musician upon Mahalath Leannoth, Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite.
In this doleful psalm, after a very short declaration of his faith, we have, (1.) Heman's bitter wailing over his distressed case, that his troubles were great; his body at the point of death; his soul filled with grief; his God hiding and angry; his mind distressed with terrors; and his friends unkind, ver. 3-9, 14-18. (2.) His bitter groans to, and expostulations with God, importing, that he had long cried for mercy, and that in death nothing could be done for him, etc., ver. 1-2, 9-14.
While I sing, let me think how dreadful hell must be, when even fatherly chastisements are so severe; how dreadful the enormity of sin, which provokes God so grievously to afflict his dearest favourites; and how necessary it is to retain our faith of our relation to God, amidst the worst of troubles.
1 Lord God, my Saviour, day and night
before thee cry'd have I.
2 Before thee let my prayer come;
give ear unto my cry.
3 For troubles great do fill my soul;
my life draws nigh the grave.
4 I'm counted with those that go down
to pit, and no strength have.
5 Ev'n free among the dead, like them
that slain in grave do lie;
Cut off from thy hand, whom no more
thou hast in memory.
6 Thou hast me laid in lowest pit,
in deeps and darksome caves.
7 Thy wrath lies hard on me, thou hast
me press'd with all thy waves.
8 Thou hast put far from me my friends,
thou mad'st them to abhor me;
And I am so shut up, that I
find no evasion for me.
9 By reason of affliction
mine eye mourns dolefully:
To thee, Lord, do I call, and stretch
my hands continually.
10 Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead?
shall they rise, and thee bless?
11 Shall in the grave thy love be told?
in death thy faithfulness?
12 Shall thy great wonders in the dark,
or shall thy righteousness
Be known to any in the land
of deep forgetfulness?
13 But, Lord, to thee I cry'd; my pray'r
at morn prevent shall thee.
14 Why, Lord, dost thou cast off my soul,
and hid'st thy face from me?
15 Distress'd am I, and from my youth
I ready am to die;
Thy terrors I have borne, and am
distracted fearfully.
16 The dreadful fierceness of thy wrath
quite over me doth go:
Thy terrors great have cut me off,
they did pursue me so.
17 For round about me ev'ry day,
like water, they did roll;
And, gathering together, they
have compassed my soul.
18 My friends thou hast put far from me,
and him that did me love;
And those that mine acquaintance were
to darkness didst remove.
Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite.
This psalm was perhaps composed on the occasion of Absalom's rebellion, 2 Sam. 15; or of the revolt of the ten tribes, from their subjection to the family of David, 1 Kings 12; or it relates to the Chaldean oppression and captivity, 2 Kings 24-25. In the first, and joyful part, we have, (1.) The foundation of all comfort, happiness, honour, and stability, laid in the mercy of God, and his covenant with David, emblematic of that made with Jesus Christ for the redemption of mankind, ver. 1-4. (2.) A celebration of the God of the covenant, in his faithfulness, glory, greatness, mercy, and equity; and in his works, ver. 5-14; and of the glorious dignity, happiness, and safety of the covenant people, ver. 15-18. (3.) A bundle of covenant promises, securing proper qualifications, assistance and glory, to the Head of the covenant; and indefeasible blessings to his covenant seed, notwithstanding their manifold sins and chastisements, ver. 19-37.
In the second, and mournful part, we have (1.) Grievous lamentations over the dishonour, distress, and danger of David's family, ver. 38-45. (2.) Expostulations with God concerning the same drawn from the continuance of trouble; the shortness of human life, and certainty of death; the withdrawment of former kindness promised in the covenant; and the insolent reproaches of enemies, ver. 46-51. (3.) A triumphant conclusion of praise to God, ver. 52.
While I sing, let me chiefly keep mine eyes on David's Lord. Let me with joy behold the covenant made with him, for our redemption. Let me adore my covenant God, as in him, well pleased for his righteousness' sake, and rendering him and his seed most blessed for evermore. And as Jesus' sufferings for me purchased my eternal happiness, let never my own, or the church's troubles weaken my faith, or make me drop my songs of praise.
1 God's mercies I will ever sing;
and with my mouth I shall
Thy faithfulness make to be known
to generations all.
2 For mercy shall be built, said I,
for ever to endure;
Thy faithfulness, ev'n in the heav'ns,
thou wilt establish sure.
3 I with my chosen One have made
a cov'nant graciously;
And to my servant, whom I lov'd,
to David sworn have I;
4 That I thy seed establish shall
for ever to remain,
And will to generations all
thy throne build and maintain.
5 The praises of thy wonders, Lord,
the heavens shall express;
And in the congregation
of saints thy faithfulness.
6 For who in heaven with the Lord
may once himself compare?
Who is like God among the sons
of those that mighty are?
7 Great fear in meeting of the saints
is due unto the Lord;
And he of all about him should
with rev'rence be ador'd.
8 O thou that art the Lord of hosts,
what Lord in mightiness
Is like to thee? who compass'd round
art with thy faithfulness.
9 Ev'n in the raging of the sea
thou over it dost reign;
And when the waves thereof do swell,
thou stillest them again.
10 Rahab in pieces thou didst break,
like one that slaughter'd is;
And with thy mighty arm thou hast
dispers'd thine enemies.
11 The heav'ns are thine, thou for thine own
the earth dost also take;
The world, and fulness of the same,
thy pow'r did found and make.
12 The north and south from thee alone
their first beginning had;
Both Tabor mount and Hermon hill
shall in thy name be glad.
13 Thou hast an arm that's full of pow'r,
thy hand is great in might;
And thy right hand exceedingly
exalted is in height.
14 Justice and judgment of thy throne
are made the dwelling-place;
Mercy, accompany'd with truth,
shall go before thy face.
15 O greatly bless'd the people are
the joyful sound that know;
In brightness of thy face, O Lord,
they ever on shall go.
16 They in thy name shall all the day
rejoice exceedingly;
And in thy righteousness shall they
exalted be on high.
17 Because the glory of their strength
doth only stand in thee;
And in thy favour shall our horn
and pow'r exalted be.
18 For God is our defence; and he
to us doth safety bring:
The Holy One of Israel
is our almighty King.
19 In vision to thy Holy One
thou saidst, I help upon
A strong one laid; out of the folk
I rais'd a chosen one;
20 Ev'n David, I have found him out
a servant unto me;
And with my holy oil my King
anointed him to be.
21 With whom my hand shall stablish'd be;
mine arm shall make him strong.
22 On him the foe shall not exact,
nor son of mischief wrong.
23 I will beat down before his face
all his malicious foes;
I will them greatly plague who do
with hatred him oppose.
24 My mercy and my faithfulness
with him yet still shall be;
And in my name his horn and pow'r
men shall exalted see.
25 His hand and pow'r shall reach afar;
I'll set it in the sea;
And his right hand established
shall in the rivers be.
26 Thou art my Father, he shall cry,
thou art my God alone;
And he shall say, Thou art the Rock
of my salvation.
27 I'll make him my first-born, more high
than kings of any land.
28 My love I'll ever keep for him,
my cov'nant fast shall stand.
29 His seed I by my pow'r will make
for ever to endure;
And, as the days of heav'n, his throne
shall stable be, and sure.
30 But if his children shall forsake
my laws, and go astray,
And in my judgments shall not walk,
but wander from my way:
31 If they my laws break, and do not
keep my commandements;
32 I'll visit then their faults with rods,
their sins with chastisements.
33 Yet I'll not take my love from him,
nor false my promise make.
34 My cov'nant I'll not break, nor change
what with my mouth I spake.
35 Once by my holiness I sware,
to David I'll not lie;
36 His seed and throne shall, as the sun,
before me last for aye.
37 It, like the moon, shall ever be
establish'd stedfastly;
And like to that which in the heav'n
doth witness faithfully.
38 But thou, displeased, hast cast off,
thou didst abhor and loathe;
With him that thine anointed is
thou hast been very wroth.
39 Thou hast thy servant's covenant
made void, and quite cast by;
Thou hast profan'd his crown, while it
cast on the ground doth lie.
40 Thou all his hedges hast broke down,
his strong holds down hast torn.
41 He to all passers-by a spoil,
to neighbours is a scorn.
42 Thou hast set up his foes' right hand;
mad'st all his en'mies glad:
43 Turn'd his sword's edge, and him to stand
in battle hast not made.
44 His glory thou hast made to cease,
his throne to ground down cast;
45 Shorten'd his days of youth, and him
with shame thou cover'd hast.
46 How long, Lord, wilt thou hide thyself?
for ever, in thine ire?
And shall thine indignation
burn like unto a fire?
47 Remember, Lord, how short a time
I shall on earth remain:
O wherefore is it so that thou
has made all men in vain?
48 What man is he that liveth here,
and death shall never see?
Or from the power of the grave
what man his soul shall free?
49 Thy former loving-kindnesses,
O Lord, where be they now?
Those which in truth and faithfulness
to David sworn hast thou?
50 Mind, Lord, thy servant's sad reproach;
how I in bosom bear
The scornings of the people all,
who strong and mighty are.
51 Wherewith thy raging enemies
reproach'd, O Lord, think on;
Wherewith they have reproach'd the steps
of thine anointed one.
52 All blessing to the Lord our God
let be ascribed then:
For evermore so let it be.
Amen, yea, and amen.
Copyright ©1991 by Presbyterian Heritage Publications