Psalms 14

David describeth the extream corruption and malice of his Enemies in particular, and of all natural men in general, reproveth and threateneth them: longeth for Gods Salvation, especially that by the MESSIA, whereof he rejoiceth in the Spirit.

1. A Psalm of David for the chief Song-Master. [See Psalm 4.on ver.1. and compare this Psalm with Psalm 53. Throughout] The fool [see of the Hebrew word, 1 Samuel 25.on verse 25.] saith in his heart; [i.e. thinketh with himself, as above 10.6. although his outward shew be sometimes otherw. Compare Job 21:14.] there is no God: they corrupt it, [or, they have corrupted (themselves, or their way) Compare Genesis 6:12. Exod.32.7. Deut.31.29.] they make it abominable (with their) work [or, they make themselves abominable (with) their dealing] there is none that doth good.

2. The LORD hath looked down out of heaven upon the children of men, for to see, whether any were understanding, [Spoken of the all-knowing God, after the manner of men. Compare Genesis 11.on verse 5.] that sought God. [See 2 Chron.15.on verse 2.]

3. They are all turned away; [See Rom.3.12, etc. And compare above Psalm 5.on verse 10.] they are grown stinking together [or. Mouldy, rotten, purified, like loathsome corrupt meat, or a vile stinking carrion. Compare 13.5.] there is none that doth good, no not one.

4. Have then all Workers of iniquity no knowledge, that eat up my people, (as if) they ate bread? [i.e. recklessly despoil them by wrong and violence of life and goods. Compare Exodus 22:25. Mich.3.3. and Psal.79.7.] they call not upon the LORD. [as if he said: There these wretches fall short, that they will have nothing to do with God: and therefore is their punishment sure and ready to seize upon them as followeth. Others read this verse. Do not then all Workers of iniquity that eat up my people (as if) they are bread; know (that) they do not call upon the LORD? Or, (as some) have not, etc. That eat up my people? They are eat bread (and) call not upon the LORD.

5. There they are afraid with fearfulness: [i.e. then, See Zeph.1.14. and below Psalm 36.13, &c. When God shall shew, and they be convinced in their conscience, that he taketh part with the number, or congregation of the godly, and is an adversary to these wicked wretches, then shall they be surprised with great terror, although they never thought of it before. This is a prophesy of the time to come, which the prophet maketh so sure account of, as if it were done already. Compare Psalm 36.13. and 53.6.] for God is with the generation of the righteous. [or, among, or, with the righteous generation. Compare Psalm 12.on verse 8.]

6. Ye make the counsel of the afflicted, ashamed, [i.e. ye seek, or go about to shame him, mocking and jeering him with it, that he, &c. But (doth he imply) ye shall one day find it] because the LORD is his refuge.

7. O that Israels salvation (came) out of Zion! [Oth. Who shall give out of Zion the salvation of Israel? A kind of a wishing phrase, usual with the Hebrews. See Deut.5.on verse 29. The meaning is, O that the LORD would be pleased to deliver his people out of Zion; the place where he dwelleth, by the Ark of the Covenant. Otherwise it might well be a question on also, whereupon the answer followeth. Compare further Romans 11:26.] When the LORD shall make the captives of his people [Heb. The captivity. See Num.31.on ver.12. i.e. the Godly; who are captives, as it were, living under the power and tyranny of the wicked. See further Deut.30. verse 3. And Luke 4.ver.19.Ephes.4.8.] to return (then) shall Jacob [i.e. the posterity of Jacob, the Israelites; understand the godly, those that follow the footsteps of their fore-father Jacob] rejoice; Israel shall be glad.