Psalms 119
DortThis Psalm is divided into two and twenty parts or pauses; In every one of which there are eight verse, and each of them beginneth in the Hebrew with that letter, whereby each part is called. So viz. That all the verses of the first part begin with an Aleph, or A. The verses of the second, every one with Beth, as B. And so forwards in order, according to the Hebrew Alphabet, or A,B. Which is the reason that some among the learned have called this Psalm. The A.B. of Piety, or Godliness. Every verse of this Psalm containeth either a special praise and commendation of the Word of God, by reason of its excellency; or a testification of Davids unfeigned love unto it: or else a Prayer for grace to carry himself according to it. For unto one of these three, viz. Praise, Prayer, Testification, every verse of the whole Psalm is applicable. And observe, that in every verse of this Psalm, David maketh mention either of Gods Law, institutions or Ordinates, Commandments, Testimonies, Precepts, Word, Promises, Ways, Judgements, Name, Righteousness, Truth, or the like: except onely verse 122. Wherein he calleth upon God for help and assistance.
1. Right happy are the upright of conversation, [Hebr. The upright of the way: i.e. Whose way is upright; who lead an upright life] that go in the Law of the LORD.
2. Right happy they are that entertain his Testimonies: [By the Testimonies of the LORD, are here to be understood his Laws which he gave unto his people in testimony of his favour, and of the Covenant, which he had made with them] (that) seek him with their whole heart:
3. Also work no wrong: [i.e. do, or practice no perverse unrighteous things] (but) walk in his ways. [i.e. in the ways which he commanded and prescribed them. See the Annot.1. Kings 11.on v.33.]
4. (LORD) thou hast commanded, that men should keep thy precepts. [i.e. That every one should endeavour to order his life according to thy precepts.]
5. Oh, that my ways, [i.e. My thought, inclinations, consultations and outward actions] were directed, [or fixed, settled] to keep thy institutions!
6. Then should I not be ashamed, [viz. To stand or appear in thy presence, O LORD] if I did observe all thy commandments.
7. I will praise thee in uprighteousness of heart, when I shall have learned the rights of thy righteousness. [i.e. the rights, which shew us that righteousness which is acceptable unto thee.]
8. I will keep thy institutions; do not too much forsake me. [i.e. do not so far withdraw thy hand from me, that I should come to reject thy Commandments. God sufferteth his to stumble sometimes, to make them learn and know the better their own weakness and frailty.]
9. Wherewithal [i.e. by what means] shall the young man keep his path clean? [i.e. so order his course, that it may be right and blameless. He doth expressly name a young man (though this concern all men) because that such are most apt and incline to be led aside from the right way, through the evil disposition and motions of the flesh] As he (that) keeps according to thy Word. [Or, if he demean himself according to thy Word. [Hebr. Keeping it according to thy Word.]
10. I seek thee with my whole heart, let me not stray from thy Commandments.
11. I have hid thy sayings in my heart, that I might not sin against thee.
12. LORD, thou art blessed [i.e. praised] teach me thy institutions.
13. I have rehearsed with my lips all the rights of thy mouth. [That is, which thou hast uttered or pronounced with thy own mouth.]
14. I am more cheerful in the way of thy Testimonies, [i.e. by reason of the way, which thy Tesimonies or Commandments point me out and lead me into] then over all riches. [i.e. more then if I had and enjoyed all the goods, wealth and riches of the world.]
15. I will meditate of, (or ruminate) all thy Commandements: [others, speak of thy precepts:] and give heed to thy paths. [viz. Which thou hast prescribed unto thy people in thy Law.]
16. I will recreate my self in thy institutions: I shall not forget thy word. [Or thy words.]
17. Do well by thy servant, [i.e. by, or with, unto me, that am thy servant] (that) I may live, and keep thy word.
18. Uncover my eyes, [Not so much the eyes of the body, as those of the understanding; acknowledging hereby his native blindness and corruption. See 1 Cor.2.14.] that I may behold the wonders of thy Law.
19. I am a stranger on the earth: [As if he should say; I am just a poor Pilgrim, and way-fairing man, not knowing, nor able to discern the way wherein I ought to walk, therefore I beseech thee, O LORD, to teach and guide me by thy Laws. See Psalm 39.on v.13.] do not hide thy Commandments from me.
20. My soul is broken in pieces, for longing after thy judgements at all times.
21. Thou rebukest the accursed proud, which go stray from thy Commandments. [viz. Wilfully.]
22. Turn from me [Hebr. Rowl off from upon me] reproach and scorn, for I have entertained thy Testimonies.
23. (When) the very Princes sitting spake against me; [Consulted together how to ruine me:] thy servant, [I that am thy servant] meditated thine institutions. [i.e. overlaid, considered, practised them. See above, verse 15. And Psalms 1:2. and this must be observed upon this word throughout this whole Psalm.]
24. Also thy Testimonies are my recreations, (and) my Counsellors.
25. My soul cleaves unto the dust: [i.e. I am even dead and buried in the dust of the earth, whereby the Prophet shews the greatness and heaviness of his sufferings. See Psalm 44.v.26.] make me alive [Or revive me, or keep me alive] according to thy Word; [i.e. according to thy promises.]
26. I have rehearsed (to thee) my ways, [I have, O LORD acquainted thee with my proceedings and condition, and wholly committed my affairs unto thee, beseeching thee to direct and steer them according to thy good and holy will, and unto my salvation] and thou hast heard me, teach me thy Institutions.
27. Give me to understand the way of thy commandments; that I may consider thy wonders.
28. My soul drops away for sadness; erect me [Or, establish me; v.38.106.] according to thy word.
29. Turn from me the way of falsehood: [By the way of falsehood may be understood false doctrines and institutions, which are repugnant to the Word and Ordinances of God, as presently after, v.30. by the way of Truth, are to be understood the true Doctrine and commandments, which do faithfully lead us the way of salvation] and vouchsafe me graciously thy Law. [i.e. give me grace to keep my self still to thy Law.]
30. I have chosen the way of Truth. This way is the obedience of Gods command. See the Annot. 1 King.8.on v.36.] thy right have I set before me.
31. I cleave fast to thy Testimonies, O LORD, make me not ashamed.
32. I will run the ways of thy Commandments, when thou shalt have enlarged my heart. [i.e. when thou shalt have enriched me with wisdom, and abundance of other gifts of the Spirit; as 1 King.4.29. or shalt have strengthened me with comfort, as Isa.60.5. or with love, 2 Cor.6.11.]
33. LORD, teach me the way of thy Institutions, and I will keep it to the end. [The Hebrew word doth properly signify the heel, or sole of the foot: improperly the end of a thing; and sometimes reward or recompence. See Psalm.19.on v.12.]
34. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy Law, yea I shall entertain it with all the heart.
35. Make me to tread upon the path of thy Commandments: for therein I take delight.
36. Encline mine heart unto thy Testimonies, and not to covetousness. [Under the name of covetousness all manner of viciousness is understood, that being the root of all evil.]
37. Turn away my eyes [Heb. Make to pass by, or thorough, as v.39.] that they see no vanity: [such as are pleasures, beauty, riches or honour in this world. See Job 15:31.] revive (or quicken) me, by thy ways. [i.e. by the doctrine of thy Word. Others make me to live in thy ways.]
38. Establish thy promise on thy servant, that is given to thy fear. [Heb. That is towards, or in thy fear.]
39. Turn away my reproach, [Or make my reproach to pass by, or pass away] which I am afraid of: for thy rights are good. [i.e. righteous and equitable, therefore will he say, thou shouldest not let those shamed, that saw thee as Idol.]
40. Behold, I have a desire to thy Commandments; [That is, I am desirous, and do my utmostendeavour to yield obedience to all thy Commandments in all my yield obedience to all thy Commandments in all my course and conversation] quicken me through thy righteousness.
41. And let thy kindnesses come upon me, O LORD thy salvation, [viz. Whereby thou preservest and redeemest me, that I perish not] according to thy promise.
42. That I may have somewhat (or, a word) to answer my reviler, [i.e. that I may let mine adversaries see, that my hope and confidence in thee, was not in vain and bootless, as they upbraided me] for I rely upon thy Word.
43. And do not too much withdraw the word of Truth [i.e. that Word, which doth teach the Truth, viz. The true Doctrine of God and his worship] from my mouth; for I hope in thy rights.
44. So shall I still entertain thy Law, evermore and always.
45. And I shall walk at large; [i.e. freely, without any force or terror, as Psalms 4:2. and 18.20. and 118.5.] because I sought thy precepts.
46. Also I shall speak before [i.e. in the presence of] Kings of thy Testimonies, and not be ashamed.
47. And I shall solace my self in thy Commandments which I love.
48. And I shall lift up my hands after thy Commandments, which I love, [Reaching forth as it were, to lay hold upon them, out of the great desire, which I have towards them. Or; I shall set hands a work, to perform thy Commands really, and obey them] and I shall consider thy institutions. [or, I shall speak of thy institutions, or statutes.
49. Remember the Word (spoken) to thy servant, [i.e. the promise thou madest unto thy servant] which thou hast made me to hope for.
50. This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy promise hath quickened me.
51. The proud have mocked me above measure: yet have I not turned from thy Law.
52. I have thought O LORD, on thy judgements. [Whereby thou didst punish the wicked, and deliver and protect thy children.] of old. [Heb. Of Eternity, i.e. exercised from the beginning of the world] and comforted my self.
53. Great trouble [Or a burning storm, or a tempest i.e. a very great trouble of heart] hath seized on me, by reason of the wicked. [viz. When I call to mind, how grievously they sin, and what grievous punishments they must expect] that forsake thy Law.
54. Thy institutions have been my songs; [The matter of my Psalms and singing] in the place of my sojournings, [Heb. In, or at the house, etc. i.e. there where I was fain to wander about, and or sojourn now here now there, as a stranger and pilgrim.]
55. LORD, by night I have been mindful of thy Name, and have kept thy Law.
56. This hath happened unto me, because I kept thy precepts. [i.e. that I break my nights rest to think on thee, v.55. the same proceeded from the zeal I have of keeping thy Commandments. See Psalm 1.on .v.7.]
57. The LORD is my portion, [i.e. it shall be as acceptable unto me, as an inheritance useth to be to a man] I said, I would keep thy words. [Others, read this verse thus: LORD, I have said, my portion shall be to keep thy words.]
58. I have earnestly besought [See the Annot. Job 11.v.19.] thy countenance with all the heart, be gracious unto me, according to thy promise.
59. I have pondered my ways, and have turned my feet unto thy Testimonies.] i.e. I have considered all my purposes and practice, all my doings and leavings, all my thoughts words and deeds, whether I might have offended in any: and if so, how I might readily return upon thy undeceivable ways.]
60. I have made haste, and not slackened to entertain thy commandments.
61. The wicked crews [See the Annot.1 Sam.10.on v.5. and 10.] have spoiled me: (yet) have I not forgotten thy Law.
62. At midnight I arise to praise thee, for the rights of thy righteousness. [The time otherwise appointed for bodily rest, and which others spend in sleeping, he imployed waking to the honour of God, as Psalms 16:7.]
63. I am a companion of all that fear thee, and of those that entertain thy precepts.
64. LORD, the earth is full of thy kindness: teach me thy institutions.
65. Thou hast done well by thy servant LORD, according to thy word. [i.e. according to thy promise; as above, verse 25.]
66. Teach me a good sence, [Or good understanding, Heb. Goodness of understanding, or mind, sence] for I have believed in thy Commandments. [i.e. promises.]
67. Before I was afflicted [Or humbled] I strayed: following the evil lustings of my flesh] but now I entertain thy word. [i.e. thy Commandments.]
68. Thou art good, and doing good; teach me thy institutions.
69. The proud have furnished lies against me: (yet) do I keep thy precepts with all the heart.
70. Their heart is fat like grease: [viz. By faring so well according to the flesh, and prospering so mightily in the things of this world, notwithstanding their abuse of it, growing thereby altogether insensible and stupid, and having not the least mind or consider Gods Law, Psalm 17.v.10. and 37.7. Job 15:27. See Deut 32.on v.15.] (but) I am cheared (in) thy Law.
71. It is good for me, that I was afflicted: [viz. By crosses and adversities, as above likewise, v.67.] that I might learn thy institutions.
72. The Law of thy mouth is better to me, then thousands of gold and silver. [i.e. then many thousand pieces of gold and silver, Psalms 68:31. speaks of pieces of silver.]
73. Thine hands have made and prepared me: [Spoken of God according to the manner of men. See Job 14:15.] make me understanding, that I may learn thy Commandments.
74. Those that fear thee shall took upon me, [viz. As a pattern and example of the gracious help and deliverance, which thou affordest and performest to those that put their hope in thee, and love thy Commandments] and rejoice, because I hoped in thy Word, [i.e. because I waited so long, yet not in vain, upon the Word of thy promise.]
75. I know LORD, that thy judgements are righteousness: [The meaning is; Lord, although thou hast chastised me with heavy crosses, yet hast thou not dealt thereby against thy righteousness and truth, but rather shewed therein thy favour towards me: for these chastisements served me to the mending of my life, and therefore they proved good and advantageous for me, 1 Cor.10.13.] and that thou hast afflicted me out of faithfulness.
76. Let I pray, thy kindness be for to comfort me, according to thy promise to thy promise to thy servant.
77. Let thy mercies come upon me; that I may live: for thy law is all my delight. [Hebr. my delights.]
78. Let the proud be ashamed for having thrown me down with lies: (yet) I consider thy commandments.
79. Let them turn to me, that fear thee: [i.e. let them join themselves unto me, and take part with me, forsaking the company and society of the wicked] and that know [i.e. thy Laws and words, whereby thou dost testify and manifest thy will and pleasure.]
80. Let my heart be upright to thy institutions, that I may not be ashamed.
81. My soul fainteth [See 2 Sam.13. the annot.on v.39. and Job 19.on v.27. and Psa.84.3.] for longing after thy salvation: I have in thy word. [i.e. for the fulfilling of the word of thy promise, as above v.25.]
82. Mine eyes fainted for longing after thy promise, whilest I said, when shalt thou comfort me? [viz. Giving me that which I do pray and wait for at thy hands.]
83. For I am become like a Lethern-sack in the smoak: [The meaning is, I am altogether dried up and my skin is shrunk and wrinkled and grown black, as an empty leather-bag that hung long in a smoaky chimney, by reason of my long-continued trouble and adversity, Prov.17.22.] (yet) have I not forgot thy institutions.
84. How many shall (the) days of thy servant be, [viz. The days of my adversity] when shalt thou do right upon my persecutors.]
85. The proud have digged pits for me, [viz. That I should fall into them and perish: As if he should say, they seek my life craftily. See Psa.35.7.] which is not according to thy Law. [Oth. Which (do) not according to thy Law.]
86. All thy commandments are truth: [The sence is; they are truth, or faithfulness it self; they do most faithfully shew us that which is true, good, right and holy] they persecute me with lies, help me.
87. They have almost brought me to nothing upon earth: [But not in heaven, See Mat.10.28. Luke 10:20.] but I have not forsaken thy precepts.
88. Quicken me according to thy kindness, then shall I entertain the testimony of thy mouth, [i.e. the commandments, which thou hast uttered and commanded us by thy own mouth.]
89. O LORD thy word abideth in eternity in the heavens.
90. Thy faithfulness is from generation or generation, thou hast fastened the earth, and she abideth standing.
91. According, (or after) thine ordinances [i.e. according as thou hast once ordained and appointed the same, as Psa.33.9.] do they abide (yet) to this day [heaven and earth namely] for they are all thy servants, i.e. heaven and earth, and all that in them is, must attend and perform thy service.]
92. If thy Law had not been my all solace, I had perished long agoe [Heb. Then] in my affliction.
93. I will not forget thy precepts in eternity, for by them thou hast quickened me.
94. I am thine, save me, for I have sought thy precepts?
95. The ungodly have watched for me to make me perish: I take heed unto thy testimonies.
96. In all (or every) perfection I have seen an end, [i.e. all created things, be they never so accomplished have their ends or bounds and limits] but thy commandments is very large. [i.e. as for that wisdom which thou revealest unto us in thy word and commandments, the same hath no end, nor bounds at all.]
97. How do I love thy Law! It is my meditation all the day. [i.e. the matter of my meditation or consideration and discoursing.]
98. It [Thy law namely. Oth. Thou O God, namely, and so again in the letter part of the verse] doth make me wiser through thy commandments, then mine Enemies are, for it is eternity with me.
99. I have more understanding [Or am more prudent, provident, rational, etc.] then all my teachers, because thy Testimonies are my meditation. [as above verse 97.]
100. I am more provident then the ancient, because I have kept thy Law.
101. I have defended [Or kept, withheld] my feet from all evil paths, [Heb. Path] that I might entertain thy word.
102. I have not turned aside from thy rights, for thou hast taught me.
103. How sweet were thy sayings, [Heb. Saying, i.e. every one of thy sayings] unto my palate! More then honey to my mouth.
104. Out of thy precepts do I get understanding, therefore I hate all lying paths. [Heb. All, or, every path of lying, or falsehood.]
105. Thy Word is a lamp [Or lanthorn, candle light, Prov.6.23.] for my foot, [i.e. feet] and a light for my path.
106. I have sworn, and shall confirm it, that I will entertain the rights of thy righteousness. [i.e. thy righteous rights.]
107. I am very much afflicted, LORD, quicken me according to thy Word.
108. Let, I pray, O LORD, the freewill-offering of my mouth [i.e. my prayer and thanksgiving, as Levit.22.18. Numb.29.39. [Psalm 54.8. 2 Chron.31.14. Amos 4:5.] be acceptable unto thee: and teach me thy rights.
109. My soul is continually in my hand: [See the Annot. Jud. 12.on v.3. and 1 Sam.19.5. and 28.21. Job 13:14.] yet do I not forget thy Law.
110. The ungodly have laid [Hebr. Given] me a snare: yet have I not strayed from thy precepts.
111. I have taken thy Testmonies for an everlasting inheritance, [i.e. for my chiefest and most abiding good] for they are the Cheerfulness of my heart.
112. I have enclined my heart to do thy institutions [i.e. that which thy institutions charge and require] evermore unto the end. [See the Annot.above on v.33.]
113. I hate the evil devices, [Or the double hearted imaginations, or the vain thoughts, or the intermeddling, counter-coursing, thoughts; that is to say, that kind of practise of some men, that sail with every wind, and seek still to have two strings to their bow: the Hebrew word doth properly signify boughs or branches, which shoot up perlexedly or confusedly in a tree. See the Annot. 1 King.18.on v.21.] but love thy Law.
114. Thou art my hiding-place [i.e. thou O Lord, art he, under whose wings I take my refuge in time of danger and persecution] and my shield, [which defendeth and protecteth me] I have hoped in thy word.
115. Depart from me ye evil doers, that I may keep the Commandments of my God.
116. Support me according to thy promise: [in the Hebrew there is Caph or Beth, the former signifying according the other by] that I may live, and let me not be ashamed about my hope.
117. Support me, so I shall be saved; then shall I solace my self continually in thine institutions. [Or then shall I continually regard (or look upon) thine institutions.]
118. Thou dost tread under foot all those that stray from thine institutions, for their deceit is lying. [i.e. deceitful, for they are disappointed, and do not get that by their deceit, which they hoped for.]
119. Thou removest [Hebr. Thou makest to cease, or rest] all ungodly from the earth, like dross; [which is cast away, as good for nothing. It is a similitude taken from refiners. See Isa.1.25. Ezek.22.18.22. Malach.3.3. Prov.25.4,5. Others, Thou hast brought the dross, viz. All the wicked of the earth, to nothing] therefore do I love thy Testimonies.
120. (The hair) [This is added here out of Job 4.v.15.] of my flesh is risen up. [Otherwise, my flesh trembleth, shaketh wavereth] for terror of thee [Heb. From thy terror, viz. When I call to mind the great severity which thou dost exercise upon the wicked] and I have been afraid of thy judgements.
121. I have done right and justice: do not give me over to my oppressours.
122. Be surety for thy servant for good: [viz. That no evil may happen unto him, and be pleased to maintain and protect him against all his enemies, or, be sweet, or pleasant, lovely to thy servant] and let not the proud (ones) oppress me.
123. Mine eyes fainted for longing after thy salvation, and after the promise of thy righteousness. [Or after thy righteous promise, viz. That which thou art sure to keep justly and faithfully.]
124. Do by thy servant according to thy kindness, and teach me thy institutions.
125. I am thy servant, make me understanding, and I shall know thy Testimonies.
126. It is time for the LORD, that he work, [Or, that the LORD work; i.e. that he shew forth and manifest his power: or that he make good and perform that which he promised me] (for) they [viz. Those proud adversaries of mine, of whom mention was made above, verse 121, 122.] have broken thy Law, [i.e. they reject it, and make no account of it at all.]
127. Therefore do I love th Law, [As if he said; I do not therefore cease to love thy Law, because such evil men do set it at nought, rather, I love and esteem it more] more then gold, ye more then the finest gold.
128. Therefore have I held all (thy) precepts, of all for right: [i.e. I approve of whatsoever thou hast commanded, without any reservation or acception. Otherwise, wherefore have I bettered the precepts of all, (or, in all) others, I have bettered (or amended) the precepts of all (men, namely) and that according to the square-rule of thy Law.] (but) I have hated all, (or every) false path. [or, all or every way of lying.]
129. Thy testimonies are wonderful, [Heb. Wonders] therefore my soul keeps them.
130. The opening (or enterance) of thy Word giveth light; [i.e. when one hath but begun to taste thy Law, but by reading of, or inquiring into it, it affords a man, forthwith a great deal of knowledge and understanding, through the efficacy and operation of the holy Spirit] to make the silly understanding.
131. I have opened my mouth wide, and gaped: [The meaning is, I have taken thy teaching with such an eagerness of desire, as on would do the best drink that may be given, for to satisfy ones great thirst: or it may be a similitude taken from one, that makes exceeding great haste in running to overtake something he greatly longs for, opening his mouth largely in the running, the better to draw his breath] for I have longed after thy Commanents, or gaped, yawned, snatched after, etc. See Psalms 56:2.]
132. Look upon me, be gracious to me, according to the right on those that love thy Name. [Or according to the custome, etc. As thou art wont to do: or, as it is right and besitting. See the Annot. Gen.40.13.]
133. Make my footsteps firm in thy word: [i.e. grant that I may walk in thy ways, without stumbling, and be according to thy Word] and let no unrighteousness have dominion over me.
134. Redeem me from the oppression of man, and I will entertain thy Laws.
135. Let thy countenance shine upon thy servant, [i.e. regard me with a clear, serene, and cheerful aspect; show me a token of your favour. See the Annot. Numb. 6.25.] and teach me thy institutions.
136. Waterbrooks flow down out of mine eyes, [i.e. abundance of tears] because they [viz. The wicked, as v.158.] do not entertain thy Law.
137. LORD, thou art righteous, and every one of thy judgements is right.
138. Thou hast highly [Heb. Much] charge the righteousness of thy Testimonies, [i.e. thy righteous Testimonies] and Truth.
139. My zeal hath made me perish [Or oppressed me. See Psalms 69:10.] because mine adversaries have forgotten thy words.
140. Thy word is much refined, [As the gold and silver is refined and purified by the fire] and they servant loveth it.
141. I am little and despised, (yet) do I not forget thy precepts.
142. Thy righteousness is righteousness in Eternity, and thy Law is Truth; [i.e. nothing but Truth; as true as Truth it self. See the like passage, John 17:17.]
143. Straight and anxiousness have hit me [Heb. Found me, as Psalms 116:3.] (yet) are thy Commandments my recreations.
144. The righteousness of thy Testimonies is in Enternity: make me to understand them, then I shall live.
145. I have cried from the whole heart: Hear me, O LORD, I will keep thy Statutes.
146. I have called upon thee, save me, and I will entertain thy Testimonies.
147. I have prevented the (morning) twilight, [Heb. The twilight, to wit, of the morning, i.e. the dawning light. See the Annot.2 King.7.5.] and have cried, I have hoped in thy Word.
148. Mine eyes prevent the (night)-watches, [i.e. I am awake, before divers of the night-watches, or the watches in the morning come on. Compare Psalms 63:7.] to meditate on thy sayings.
149. Hear my voice according to thy kindness, O LORD, quicken me according to thy right. [Which requires that thou shouldest stand for the innocent against his mischievous oppressors. Others, according to thy manner, and so below, v.156.]
150. These that pursue evil practises [i.e. That studiously seek and hunt after reproaches] approach (me:) they are at my heels, as we are used to say, viz. To do me harm and mischief] they turn far away from thy Law.
151. (But) thou, Lord, art near (at hand) : [viz. With thy help to all that trust in thee] and all thy Commandments are Truth.
152. I have known of old, of thy Testimonies, that thou hast grounded them in Eternity. [i.e. that they are to firm and stedfast, that none shall overthrow, or frustrate them. Christ says, Heaven and Earth shall pass away, but my Word shall abide.]
153. Behold, my misery, and help me out, for I have not forgotten thy Law.
154. Plead my cause, [See Psalm 35. The Annot.on v.1.] and save me: quicken me according to thy promise.
155. Salvation is [Or be] far from the wicked, for they do not seek thy Statutes.
156. LORD, thy mercies are many: [Or great] quicken me according to thy rights. [Compare above v.149.]
157. My persecutors and mine adversaries are many, but I depart not from thy Testimonies.
158. I have seen those that deal unfaithfully, [i.e. those that are fallen away from thee, and with whom there is neither faith nor trust to be found.] and it vexed me, that they did not keep thy word.
159. Regard, that I love thy precepts, O LORD, quicken me, according to thy kindness:
160. The beginning of thy word is truth, and all the right of thy righteousness is in Eternity. [i.e. proceeded of Truth, and shall evermore remain truth in Eternity. [Hebr. The head, or head-peace of thy word, etc.
161. The Princes have persecuted me without cause: but my heart hath stood in fear of thy word. [The meaning is: I have not been afraid of men, but onely, left I might do any thing against thy Word. See Mat.10.28.]
162. I rejoice over thy promise, as one that findeth a great booty.
163. I hate falsehood, and have it in abomination: but am in love with thy Law.
164. I praise thee seven times a day, [i.e. very frequently, Levit.26.18. 1 Sam.2.5. Prov.2416. and Chap.26.25.] over, (or, for) the rights of thy righteousness.
165. They that love thy Law, have great peace, and they have no offence. [See 1 John 2.v.10.]
166. O LORD, I hope in thy salvation, and do thy Commandments:
167. My soul keeps thy Tetimonies, and I love them very much:
168. I do keep thy Commandments and thy testimonies; for all my ways are before thee. [i.e. all my thoughts words and deeds are known unto thee; therefore do I walk uprightly before thee, as him whose eyes see all things.]
169. O LORD, let my cry draw neer before thy face; make me to understand according to thy word.
170. Let my supplication come before thy face; rescue me according to thy promise. [to wit, out of my suffering and misery.]
171. My lips shall power out (thy) praise abundantly, [Or bubble forth, that is to say, abundantly utter it, as a Fountain yields forth water. See Ps.19.on v.3.] when thou shall have taught me thy Statutes. (or institutions.)
172. My tongue shall hold speech of thy sayings, [i.e. of thy Commandments as followeth] for all thy Commandements are righteousness.
173. Let thine hand succour me; [Or come to help me] for I have chosen thy precepts.
174. O LORD, I long for thy salvation, [i.e. for thy deliverance] and thy Law is all my delight, [or solace, chear, as above, v.7.7.]
175. Let my soul [i.e. me my self. Jud.16.30.] live, and she shall praise thee, and let thy rights help me. [as if he said; let it turn to my advantage, that I have kept thy Commandements, according to thy promise.]
176. I have strayed [As if he meant to say, I have not known for a long time whither to turn or betake my self; to wit, whiles mine enemies, especially Saul and his, did persecute me so grievously,] like a lost sheep: [or, like a sheep: bring me to the right fold again, and give me rest, that I may serve thee in peace and quietness] thy servant, [i.e. me, that am thy servant] for I have not forgotten thy Commandements.