Psalms 101
DOYLYVer. 2. I will behave &c.] That is, wisdom shall guide my footsteps, and not suffer my feet to slide from thy all-perfect way. Merrick.
—O when wilt thou come unto me?] When wilt Thou come to protect and assist me? Rosenmuller.
Ver. 5. — thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.] That is, as the eagle’s vigour is wont to be, after it has renewed its feathers. Dr. Wells. The youth of an eagle is no otherwise renewed than by the succession of new feathers to old ones. In like manner the serpent was said by the Romans “to put off old age” when it cast its skin. Rosenmuller.
Psalms 101:3
3.—of them that turn aside:] Of them who in their counsels and their actions deviate from the Divine law, to serve their own interest. Bp. Horne.
—it shall not cleave to me.] No such corrupt principle shall adhere to my soul, or find a place in my affections. Bp. Horne.
Psalms 101:4
- A froward heart] That is, a perverse and stubborn heart. Edwards. —I will not know] I will not favour. Dr. Wells. The prophet in his prayer maketh a grievous complaint.
Psalms 101:5
- By reason &c.] Extremity of sorrow causeth the flesh to waste, and the bones to press upon the skin, through which they are ready to force their way. Bp. Horne.
Psalms 101:6
- I am like &c.] The sorrowful man is naturally desirous of retiring from the world, to vent his complaints in solitude, and to pass the nights in watchfulness and prayer. Bp. Horne.
Psalms 101:7
- I watch.] That is, cares and sorrows so disturb me that I cannot sleep. Rosenmuller.
—as a sparrow alone] The bird here mentioned seems to be the solitary sparrow, which is thus described in Brooke’s Natural History: “It usually sits alone on the tops of old buildings, and roofs of churches, singing very sweetly, especially in the morning, and is an Oriental bird.” Parkhurst.
Psalms 101:8
- I will early destroy &c.] The meaning may be, “Every morning I will be destroying, &c.” The Hebrew courts of justice were held in the morning; see 2 Sam. xv. 2; Jer. xxi. 12. Green. Or, the word here rendered “early,” may mean “soon.” Merrick. Or, “assiduously.” Rosenmuller.
How noble a declaration was this in a great king and how worthy the imitation of all the princes of the earth! How noble a manner too was this of publishing declarations to the people, in solemn and sublime hymns to Almighty God; set to musick, and sung with joy and transport through the land; at once vindicating innocence, and propagating piety! Let this be numbered among the felicities peculiar to David. Dr. Delaney.
Psalm CH. This Psalm seems, by the thirteenth verse, to have been composed about the time that God had promised a restoration to his people from their captivity in Babylon; namely, after a term of seventy years: it strongly describes the miseries they suffered during their captivity, and begs God at length to take pity on Jerusalem, and restore it, with the temple, to its former glory; for this would be such an illustrious proof of his divinity, that it would draw all nations to do Him homage; and particularly his attention to this prayer of the poor prisoner should be recorded for his honour to future generations. Mudge. Penitential sorrow being a principal subject of this Psalm, it is suitable to the service of Ash-Wednesday. Travell.
Ver. 3.—as an hearth.] Literally, as a firebrand. Dr. Wall, Old Translation.
ness: I am like an owl of the desert.
Psalms 101:9
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For I have eaten ashes &c.] I am so humbled by my affliction, that, like a mournful penitent, I lie down among the dust and ashes, which mingle themselves with my food, as tears do with my drink. Travell, Bp. Patrick.
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- He will not always chide: &c.] God’s chastisements are some of the most eminent proofs of his mercy. They are sent to reclaim us from eternal punishment. They continue not always, but are removed when they have done their work; and while they last, are as nothing in comparison of those heavy stripes which our sins have deserved. Bp. Horne.
Psalms 101:12
- As far as the east &c.] That is, He hath entirely remitted the punishment due to our manifold offences. Bp. Patrick.
Psalms 101:13
13.—the set time, is come.] The time fixed for the continuance of the Babylonish captivity; which was seventy years, Jer. xxix. 10. Green.
- Like as a father &c.] See Isa. xlix. 15.
This is one of the most excellent songs of thanksgiving in the whole Book of Psalms. David here seems affected with the highest strains of devotion, and
Psalms 101:14
14.—take pleasure in her stones.] That is, bear an affection to her ruins. Green.
—and favour the dust thereof.] Rather, “and compassionate her dust.”
Psalms 101:16
- When the Lord &c.] From ver. 16 to 22 inclusive, the Psalmist seems to speak prophetically of the Messiah.
The mercies of God are to be recorded. PSALMS. An exhortation to bless God for his mercy,
generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD.
Psalms 101:25
- Of old hast thou &c.] The application of this and the following verses to Jesus Christ, in the Epistle to the Hebrews, is at once a proof of his Divinity, and of the inspiration of the Psalms. See Heb. i. 10. Travell.
Psalms 101:28
- The children of thy servants &c.] Whatever may be the fate of the present generation, whether they may live to see the accomplishment of all that has been foretold, or not, yet the word of God standeth sure; there shall be always a Church, and an holy seed, to whom the promise shall be made good. Bp. Horne.
If we had a true devotion in our hearts to form and compound our prayers, and a fervent motion from our hearts to pour them out, we might reasonably as well as piously believe, that every prayer we so send up to heaven would prove effectual, and bring down that from thence to us, for which we pray. The Church hath provided an excellent form of devotion and prayer for all men to concur in at the publick service and worship of God; and whoever reads and considers that form, will find himself best prepared for his private devotions; and may very profitably transplant expressions from thence into his most private and occasional addresses to the Divine Providence. Lord Clarendon.
Psalm CHI. In this Psalm David blesses God for # ¶ A Psalm of David.
BLESS the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.