Psalms 16

David prayeth for preservation, renouncing his own merits before God; detesting all idolatry, man making a chearful profession of his faith in the Messia, by whom he and all believers, having communion with God, are sure to partake of the blessed Resurrection and eternal life: Mean while Christ himself is introduced here, speaking of his death, resurrection and everlasting glory, for the good and comfort of his.

1. A Golden Jewel of David. [Or, a golden Psalm, Heb. Michtam, i.e. that which is made of the best and finest gold. This Title is likewise prefixed unto the Psalms, 56.57, 58,59. And 60. Because of their singular preciousness and excellency. Some do hold it for a certain Musical Instrument, or the beginning of some song, like-tuned] preserve me, O God, for I trust in thee.

2. (O my soul) Thou hast said unto the LORD, [These words David speaketh as a Type of Christ; or (as some think) Christ himself unto his soul in the state of his humiliation, as a the Hebrew word sheweth: elsewhere the word Soul is expressed, Psalms 103:1.] Thou art the LORD; [Oth. My LORD;] my goodness (reacheth) not to thee: [i.e. my benefit. The sense is, I can benefit thee in nothing, O GOD; I can bring thee no advantage (since thou art perfect in thy self, and the spring and author of all good) but to the godly that live here on earth, I may, as followeth.]

3. (But) unto the Saints, that are upon earth, and the glorious, [Or, the excellent, the eminent: thus he calleth the Saints and believers, as being Gods children and heirs; of the Hebrew word see above Psalm 8.on v.2.] in whom is all my pleasure (or delight.)

4. The pains of those, that present [viz. With a marriage, or wedding-gift. See of the rage and prodigality of this spiritual Whoredome, Ezek.16.31,32,33,34.] another (God) [not the true, and onely God, but an Idol-God] shall be multiplied; I will offer [or pour out, as the Idolaters were wont to do in their drink-offerings. Of the lawful drink-offerings wherein wine and other strong drink was used, see Exodus 29:40. Numb.5.5,7,10, and 28.7.] their [i.e. the Idols] drink-offerings of blood, and not take their names upon my lips. [i.e. into my mouth, as Psa.50.16. implying, that he would have nothing at all to do with Idolatry, any thing depending on it; he did loath and abhor it all. See Exod.23.13.]

5. The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance, and of my cup: [There are two comparisons made use of here, the former taken from Inheritances, which were measured out by lines or cords, and divided by lot. See Deut.3.on v.4. and 32.9. Jos.13.&c. The Master alloweth or dispenceth unto every one his share of drink into his cup or beaker. Compare Psalm 11.on v.6.] thou doest maitain my lot [i.e. thou doest preserve and keep the same in safe custody for me. Compare 2 Tim.4.8. 1 Pet.1.4,5.]

6. The lines (or strings) are fallen unto me in amiable places: yea, a goodly inheritance is happened unto me. [Hebrew, the inheritance is become fair, at, or upon, over me.]

7. I shall praise [Heb. Bless] the LORD, that hath given me counsel: even by night. [Heb. In the nights. See Psalm 1.on verse 2.] my reins instruct me. [i.e. my most inward thoughts and stirrings mind and excite me to my duties. See Job 19.on ver 27.]

8. I set the LORD continually before me: [Heb.over against me: that this is spoken by Christ, appeareth by Acts 2:25.] because he is at my right hand, I shall not waver. [as Psalms 15:5.]

9. Therefore my heart is glad, and mine honour [See Genesis 49.on verse 6.] rejoiceth: as also my flesh, [i.e. body] shall dwell safely [or, securely. Heb. Properly with, or, in confidence, viz. That the Resurrection shall follow assuredly on the third day.]

10. For thou wilt not forsake my soul [i.e. my person; as frequently elsewhere, whereby there is again understood the dead body of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Compare Psalms 94:17. and Lev.19.on verse 28. And see hereof, Acts 2:31. and 13.35, &c.] in hell: [i.e. in the grave; or you may understand with some, those hellish pains and pangs, which Christ hath undergone and suffer in our behalf. See of the Hebrew word Genesis 37.on verse 35.] Thou shalt not suffer thy Holy (one) [i.e. my self, Christ, Oth. Benign, gracious; kind, favorite. Compare Deut.33.on verse 8. And Psalm 4.on verse 4.] see the corruption. [i.e. undergo and be subject to it, abiding and petrifying in the grave like other men. Compare Psalms 34:13. and John 3:36. and 8.51. and see Job 7.on v.7. of the word corruption, otherwise rendered ditch or pit. See Psalm 7.on verse 16.]

11. Thou shalt make known unto me the path of life: [Leading and conducting me in this life, and afterwards raising me up from the dead, and bringing me into the glory of life everlasting] fulness (or satisfaction) of joys is with thy face: [Compare Psalms 4:7. and 17.15. and see 1 John 3:2.] pleasantnesses are in thy right hand for ever. [In thy right hand, wherewith thou givest and bestowest the same upon thy children. Compare Proverbs 3:16. Oth. At, or, by thy right hand, where I (Christ:) shall sit, when I shall be gone up again into heaven, and where David and all the eldest shall be translated: Matthew 25:33.]