Psalms 16

Psalms 16:1-11

:THe title: Michtam] it is not certainly known what the signification of this word is: but it is certain that it is taken from another word, which signifieth most pure gold; whereupon it might bee translated, a Psalme of gold: or a pretious jewell.

Psalms 16:2

Thou art] that is to say, as in thee, O soveraign Lord of all men, is the spring and fountain of all goodnesse, so canst thou not be prevented in any good, nor recompenced for any benefits, thy favours proceed from thy meere grace: and that service which thou requirest at our hands, is not for any profit that thou reapest thereby, but for our own good, and the reliefe of those that beleeve in thee.

Psalms 16:3

The excellent] the Italian, the honoured, that is to say, the true and noble children of God, heires of his Kingdome and changed from glory to glory. 2 Corinthians 3:8. 1 Peter 4:14.

Psalms 16:4

Drink offerings] they were certaine offerings of wine, under which is comprehended all the service done to idols: [of blood] thry are abominable before God, as the sacrifices of men, and spilling of humane blood which was used by the pagans: [take up] I will abhor even the very naming of them Exodus 23:13. Deuteronomy 12:3. Hos. 2. 16. 17. see Ephes. 5. 3.

Psalms 16:5

The portion] that is to say, amongst all the goods of the world, where of every one ccooseth out his part, I for my part take the grace of God, with which I am sufficiently satisfied. A phrase taken from those shares which every one had assigned unto him at feasts, Genesis 43:34. Sam. 1. 4. & 9. 23. see Psal. 11. 6. [Maintainest] thou hast not onely out of thy grace bestowed the chiefe of goods upon me, but dost also preserve it unto me by thy power, 2 Timothy 1:12. 1 Peter 1:5.

Psalms 16:6

The lines] the Italian, the lot, Hebrew, the 〈…〉nes, with which they measured land when they parted it, see Deuteronomy 32:9. see concerning this lot off the Saints, Acts, 26. 18. Ephes. 1. 11. Colossians 1:12.

Psalms 16:7

Hath given mee councell] who sweetly and powerfully inspireth mee to accept of this gift at Gods hands, and to preferre it above all other gifts and for it to forsake all other things, and strive to preserve and encrease it, see Psal. 73. 23. [My veines] mine internall thoughts, and secret motions of the soule, enlightned sanctified and moved by the holy Ghost, doe dictate and suggest unto me, what I ought to doe and undertake, see Psal 27. 8. [In the night] which is the time of rest, and of the faithfulls more serious meditations, and of most lively operation of Gods spirit in their hearts; when they are wrapped in rest and silence, free from wordly employments, and all distraction of senses, see Psal. 17. 3. Son 3:1. Isaiah 26:9.

Psalms 16:8

I have set] that is to say, I have had him alwayes present in my soule by faith, by obedience, I have set him before me for the scope and object of all my actions, by sincerity for a witnesse and judge of them; and by experience for a rewarder of my fidelity, and chiefe aime of my happinesse.

Psalms 16:9

My glory] the Italian, my tongue, Hebrew, glory, according to the custome of Scripture, Genesis 49:6. Psal. 30. 12. & 57. 8. Yet others take it for the soule, Iob 30. 15. [Shall rest] the Italian, shall dwell, namely, in this world as in a waifairing lodging, then in the grave as in a place of safeguard and repose, an at last in heaven, as in its true and eternall mansion.

Psalms 16:10

My soule] namely I, my person, whose corporall part remaining dead, the whole man cannot be said to be delivered. Now Acts 2:31. this passage seemeth to bee applyed to Christ, who is the onely perfect Saint of God, and to his resurrection by vertue of his most perfect justice, which preserved his body from all putrefaction and corruption. For though David have here some reflection upon himselfe, and his deliverances from mortall dangers, and to his hope of blessed resurrection. Yet the termes are so high and pregnant, that they cannot properly belong to any other but Christ; even according to the internall meaning of the holy Ghost revealed unto the Apostles.

Psalms 16:11

Of life] namely, everlasting and glorious life: [In thy thy presence] that is to say, in thy grace (which is called the presence of God) in this world, and in thy glory in heaven consisteth mans soveraigne happinesse: And this good is communicated unto him in consolation through faith in in this life, and in eternall joyes in the life to come, by the presence and clear sight of God and all of his meer liberality and power, who is the right hand of God: This being applyed to Christ, signifieth his glory received from the father after his ascension into heaven, Psal. 45. 7. Hebrews 12:2.