Psalms 36

David being much trouble at the abominable impietie of the wicked, doth so much the more admire the bottomless wisdom, justice and kindness of the LORD, who keeping all creatures in good order, in the midst of such a confusion, doth manifest himself a most Gracious Saviour of his Church, for whole, (as also his own) preservation, David petitions God, and foretelleth the fall of the wicked.

1. (A Psalm) of David the servant of the LORD: for the chief Song-master. [See Psalm 4.on ver.1.]

2. The transgression of the wicked speaketh in the inmost of my heart. There is no fear of God before his eyes. [i.e. when I do consider and weigh the evil and careless condition and practise of the wicked; then I am constrained, as surely to believe, that there is no fear nor dread of God in their hearts, as if they the wicked, did declare and avouch it in plain terms, and express words themselves. SO evident and palpable is the wickedness of their works, which doth disquiet and afflict me in the inward’st of my heart.]

3. For he flatters himself in his eyes; when his iniquity is found (which) is to be hated. [Or, until his iniquity be found, (which) is to be hated, or, hatefull. That is, be his malice never so manifest and palpable, that it grows even hatefull to every one, never the less he pleaseth and sootheth himself in the evil, and goes on still without remorse. Oth. When he fulfilleth or compasseth his iniquity, (that is, his evil purpose) which he ought to hate. i.e. When it goes according to his mind, then he conceives, that his practise is good, although he ought to abhorre it.]

4. The words of his mouth are wrong and deceit; [i.e. unprofitable, hurtful, and deceivable, or, tending to vex, abuse and deceive the godly.] he leaves off to understand to do well: [or, He ceaseth to understand for well doing. The meaning is. He will be instructed by none, to any amendment of his life; He is desperately obstinate and past feeling.]

5. He deviceth wrong upon his couch: he sets himself in a way that is not good: the evil he doth not refuse.

6. O LORD, thy kindness reacheth into the very Heavens: thy truth even to the uppermost clouds. [Against all the ranging and raging of the wicked, together with the hearts-grief it bred in him, the Prophet doth comfort and chear up himself with the consideration of Gods incomprehensible, unsearchable and stedfast goodness, faithfulness and righteousness, which he doth shew in the governing, as of all things in general, so especially of his people, whom he, not with standing the enmity of the wicked, abundantly favoureth and assureth them of their enemies just and final destruction.]

7. Thy righteousness is as the mountains of God; [That is, the greatest and highest of all. See of this manner of speaking, Gen.13.on v.10. The sence is, that Gods justice and righteousness, doth manifest it self round about all the world over, stedfast and unmoveable yea oft times far above the reach of our apprehension. See on ver.11.] thy judgements are a great Abyss. [i.e. thy Counsel and government, or manner of proceeding both in general with all the creatures and especially in regard of the Elects and Reprobate, is past all searching into. See Rom.11.33.] LORD, thou preservest men and beasts. [Heb. Man and beast. See Matt.5.45. 1 Tim.4.10. and Job 39:1. and Psal.147.9.]

8. How precious is thy kindness, O God! For which the children of men take refuge under the shadow of thy wings. [See Ruth 2.on v.12. and compare with this place, Job 36:11.together with the Annot.]

9. They grow drunken of the fatness of thine house; [Understand here the spiritual meat and drink of the soul. See Isa.15.6. and 65.13. and 66.11. and Compare Psalm.63.6. and 65.5. Jerem.21.14. and 31.14. together with the Canticles of Salomon] and thou givest them to drink (out of) the brook of thy pleasures.

10. For with thee is the fountain of life: [i.e. A living and ever-springing fountain, whereby the soul doth live spiritually, is abundantly refreshed, revived and entertained; compare John 4:14. and 7.38.39. and Jerem.2.13. and 17.13.] in thy light do we see the light. [when thou art pleased to enlighten us by thy holy spirit, and shewest us thy fatherly countenance in the Messiah, then do we get the light understanding thy works of grace, and enjoy a most lively comfort, and gladness of heart. Compare Job 29 3. Psa.4,6,7. And 27.1. with Annot. Isa.9.2. Jam.1.17. and for as much as this withal concerns the glory of the life everlasting. Psal.16.on v.11. and 17.15. Item Zach.14.v.6.7. Collos.1.12. Rev.21.ver.11, 23. And chap.22.5.]

11. Stretch out [Or, continue, prolong, pursue. Comp. Jer.31.on ver.3.] thy kindness over those that know thee: and thy righteousness. [which requireth, that thou keep thy promises, protect the upright of heart, punish their enemies, and consequently maintain every things in good order and disposition, any stir and rage of the wicked not with standing] over the upright of heart.

12. The foot of the proud [Heb. Of Pride, i.e. Of the proud ones: (See Job 35.on ver.13.) that seek to tread me under foot, or to set their foot upon my neck.] come not over me: and the hand of the wicked make me not to wander. [Or swarve about) or, chase me not away.]

13. There the workers of iniquity are fallen, [viz. Even where now they sought and thought to overthrow the godly. Or, then, compare above, Psalms 14:5. and the Annot.there.] they are thrust down, and cannot rise up again.