Psalms 16

monish them to live better, as became those who were under the government of God (as Theodoret excellently speaks), and had received such a great deliverance from him. ». A most excellent Psalm of David, more precious than any jewel, and worthy to be inscribed on a marble pillar, to endure to all posterity.’ For beside admirable expressions of his faith and confidence in God (though he was most violently persecuted by Saul, and forced to fly into foreign countries), it contains a prophecy of the resurrection of our Lord Christ from the dead.

Psalms 16:1

JLoRD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?’) Lord, what a happiness is it, that thou wilt be pleased to dwell among us in this mountain wherein thou hast pitched thy tabernacle! but who shall have the honour to be admitted into thy society, and enjoy all the privileges of a true worshipper of thee? JT RESERVE me, O God: for in thee do I. put my trust.] Thon seest, O most mighty God, with what dangers I am encompassed: defendand protect me, I beseech thee, for I depend upon thee alone for safety.

Psalms 16:2

He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and sjAaketh the truth in his heart. I hear thee answer (methinks) as if a voice came from thy holy oracle, saying, Not all that are descended of Abraham, nor every, one that offers me sacrifices, and observes my appointed rites; but he who completely endeavours to please me in all the parts. of a holy life, exercising justice and mercy to his neighbour, as well as piety to me; and taking care he wrong not his neighbour in words no more than in deeds. O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee.] I ever did so, as my conscience testifies; and therefore I hope thou wilt still continue my gracious God. Not that I can merit any favour of thee, or, by any good that I can do, requite thy kindness to me:,.

Psalms 16:3

He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. He that doth not abuse his tongue to calumny and detraction, nor is any other way injurious to his neighbour; who neither reproaches his neighbour himself, nor lightly believes, increases, or spreads the reproaches which are begun by others.. But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.] But if thou wilt be pleased to protect me^ I will employ all my power (when I come to the throne) to protect the pious in the land: worthy men, who excel in virtue, shall be preferred and honoured; for they are the persons who are most dear to me, and in whose company alone I delight.

Psalms 16:4

In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he Jtonoureth them that fear the Lord: he that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. Who never courts men for their riches and power, if their wickedness makes them despicable; but honours those who are truly pious, though never so poor: and who’ hath such a respect to religion, that whatsoever he promises by oath he will perform, though he loses never so much by keeping his faith. Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink-offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips,] They multiply idols, (here in this place, whither I am driven, 1 Sam. xxvi. 19.) and are zealous in the service of another god: but I will never forsake thee, by partaking with them in their abominable sacrifices, in which the blood of men is offered, nor by swearing by the name of any of their false, gods.) k V

Psalms 16:5

He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved. He who orders his private affairs so exactly, that he makes no gain of the money he lends to his poor brethren, (Exod. xxii. 25. Deut. xxiii. 19, 20.) and behaves himself so well, when he is in public office, that no gift can corrupt him to condemn the innocent, or absolve the guilty. He that lives after this manner, need never fear to fall from my favour. PSALM XVJ. Michtam of David. The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.] The Lord of heaven and earth is the God whom I serve: he, who is the supreme dispenser of all things, hath given me a kingdom for my portion, where he himself is worshipped; and he will defend and maintain my title to it while I adhere to him: Ver. G. Tlie lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.] As I am resolved to do: for there is no place so pleasant as that where he is worshipped; no country comparable to that (for all manner of good things)’ which he hath settled upon me, though I am not yet possessed of it. *.’ * Vcr v 7. I will bless the Lord, ivho hath given me conusel;. my reins also instruct me in the night-season.]l will therefore praise the Lord, and acknowledge his love; who hath hitherto guided me to behave myself so prudently, that my enemies have not been able to surprise me. In the darkest night of affliction’, when I could not see my way, he hath secretly inspired my mind with wise thoughts, and admonished me what course to take for my preservation.

Psalms 16:8

I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. This hath ever been my practice, to conceive God always present to me: and since he is still nigh to support and defend me, the fiercest assaults of my enemies shall never be able to deject me from that dignity which he hath designed for me.

Psalms 16:9

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth; my flesh also shall rest in hope. In confidence of which I feel not only a perfect satisfaction, but joy and triumph" of heart. My tongue cannot but boast of it; and, be my condition never so weak and low, I shall rest in hope to be raised up again.

Psalms 16:10

For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell: neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. For.thbu wilt not sufl’er me to remain always in this forlorn condition, nor let him; whom thou hast anointed to be thy king, be destroyed by Saul: much less let that great King jierish (whom thou hast promised of my seed); but, though they kill him and lay him in his grave, thou tvilt’take him from thence, and raise him from the dead, before his body be in the least corrupted. •;