to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.

5 For all the gods of the nations

are idols but the LORD made the heavens.

6 Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

7 Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.

8 Give unto the LORD the glory + Heb. of his due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.

name.

I Or, in the glorious sanctuary.

b Ps. 93. 1. & 97. 1.

9 O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.

10 Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.

11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.

12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice

13 Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.

PSALM XCVII.

1 The majesty of God's kingdom. 7 The church rejoiceth at God's judgments upon

6. Honour and majesty are before him: &c.] This expresses, in poetical language, the general glory, majesty, and perfection of God.

9. the beauty of holiness:] See the note on Psalm

xxix. 2.

10-13. Say among the heathen &c.] Nothing can excel in sublimity the noble exultation of universal nature in these verses, where the whole animate and inanimate creation unite in the praises of their Maker. Poetry here seems to assume the highest tone of triumph and exultation, and to revel, if I may so express myself, in all the extravagance of joy. Bp. Lowth. The exhortations in this Psalm are peculiarly applicable to the times of the Gospel, and describe the joy which good men should express, when they reflect that the several nations of the world are enlightened with the knowledge of the true God, and his Son Jesus Christ. These great privileges engage us to praise the Lord without ceasing; to worship Him with fear, humility, and joy; and to shew by our obedience, that the Lord does truly reign over us. Ostervald.

Psalm XCVII. In this Psalm the gracious assistance which God affords his servants, and the vengeance He takes upon the opposers of his laws, are strongly described under the images of fire and tempest. But the Psalm is chiefly applicable to the spiritual reign of

The majesty of God's kingdom.

idolaters. 10 An exhortation to godliness and gladness.

THE LORD reigneth; let the

earth rejoice; let the † multitude ✦ Heb. mang, of isles be glad thereof.

or, great isles.

2 Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judg- a Ps. 89. 14. ment are the habitation of his or, throne.

3 A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about. 4 His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw and trembled. 5 The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the LORD of the whole earth.

6 The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.

7b Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.

8 Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.

9 For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.

establishment.

bExod. 20. 4. Deut. 5. s.

Lev. 26. 1.

Hebr. 1. 6.

Christ, who should overthrow the idolatry of the heathen world, subdues all his enemies, and make the spiritual "daughters of Judah be glad, because of his judgments." Travell. This and the three following Psalms bear the name of David in the Greek version, and it is highly probable that they all come from the same hand as the ninety-sixth. Green.

Ver. 2. Clouds and darkness &c.] His throne is surrounded by impenetrable obscurity, but every thing that issues from it is dedicated by unerring truth and justice. Travell.

3-5. A fire goeth before him, &c.] The judgments of God, and their effects upon the world, are here set forth, under the usual similitude of lightning and fire from heaven, causing the earth to tremble, and mountains to melt and dissolve away. Bp. Horne.

7.-worship him, all ye gods.] Let all that are called gods, whether on earth or in heaven, acknowledge and adore his sovereign authority. Bp. Patrick.

the daughters of Judah] See note at Ps. xlviii.

11. Light] That is, life, salvation, immortality. This Psalm is not so much a description of God's dominion over the Jews as a prophecy of the dominion of Jesus Christ over all nations. The Holy Spirit here describes the effects which the coming of that kingdom would produce, and the joy which the faithful

|| Or, thanksgiving.

Heb. all the earth.

we are.

8 Thou answeredst them, O LORD our God: thou wast a God that for

+to all generations.

PSALM CI.

9 Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy.

PSALM C.

1 An exhortation to praise God cheerfully, 3
for his greatness, 4 and for his power.
A Psalm of || praise.
MAKE a joyful noise unto the
LORD, all ye lands.

2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

3 Know ye that the LORD he is God it is he that hath made us, || Or, and his || and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his

name.

5 For the LORD is good; his mercy

66

8. Thou answeredst them, &c.] The construction of the verse seems to be this: "O Lord our God, Thou didst hear, or answer them;" that is, the aforementioned typical mediators, Moses, Aaron, and Samuel; "Thou becamest a forbearing God for them," or, at their intercession; and that, even when punishing," or, when Thou hadst begun to punish, "the wicked deeds of them;" that is, not of Moses, Aaron, and Samuel, but of the people, who had transgressed, and for whom they interceded. This was the case when Moses interceded for the idolaters, Exod. xxxii. 32; Aaron for the schismaticks, Numb. xvi. 47; and Samuel for the whole nation, 1 Sam. vii. 9. Bp. Horne.

In this Psalm we learn, that it is the duty of those who have the happiness to know God, and to be the subjects of his kingdom, to fear him, to reverence his majesty, to worship Him with the profoundest humility, and without ceasing to celebrate his name, which is great, terrible, and holy. We also see in this Psalm, that God did formerly deliver the Israelites, when Moses, Aaron, and Samuel called upon Him; and that He also took vengeance on them for their sins, when they offended Him. This shews, that as God is always good, He is also just, and has sometimes made men feel the marks of his mercy, and sometimes of his wrath, to engage them to love and fear Him. Ostervald.

Psalm C. This is a solemn invitation to all the world to acknowledge, serve, and praise God, the Creator of all men, the guardian of his people, and the merciful performer of all his promises, through all generations. It is used in the daily service of the Church, as a general acknowledgment of gratitude for the Divine blessings, and as an excitement to the congregation to join in the praise of God. Travell.

Ver. 4.-into his gates] That is, into the gates of his sanctuary. Bp. Patrick.

liness.

¶ A Psalm of David. WILL sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I

sing.

2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

3 I will set no + wicked thing before + Heb. thing mine eyes: I hate the work of them of Belial. that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

4 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person. 5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.

6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh || in Or, perfect a perfect way, he shall serve me.

in the way.

Instructed by this Psalm, we ought ever to pray that all nations of the world may worship the Lord, and glorify his name; and that to this end God would be pleased to make Himself known unto them, and give them the knowledge of his Son, Jesus Christ. And, in order to excite ourselves to the duty of praising Him, we should consider that He is our Creator, that "we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture;" that He has heaped abundant favours on us, not only of nature, but of grace, and given to his Church the clearest tokens of his goodness and mercy. Ostervald.

Psalm CI. David here appeals to God for his love of mercy, justice, and integrity; and publishes to the whole world his abhorrence of villany, treachery, calumny, and pride; and then professes that he would, to the utmost of his power, discountenance and destroy all men of that character; as he would, on the contrary, favour and protect all those that were truly religious and faithful. Dr. Delaney. This is one of the Psalms appointed for the inauguration service of our kings.

Ver. 2. I will behave &c.] That is, wisdom shall guide my footsteps, and not suffer my feet to slide from thy all-perfect way. Merrick.

O when wilt thou come unto me?] When wilt Thou come to protect and assist me? Rosenmüller. 3.- of them that turn aside;] Of them who in their counsels and their actions deviate from the Divine law, to serve their own interest. Bp. Horne.

it shall not cleave to me.] No such corrupt principle shall adhere to my soul, or find a place in my affections. Bp. Horne.

4. Afroward heart] That is, a perverse and stubborn heart. Edwards.

-I will not know] I will not favour. Dr. Wells.

The prophet in his prayer

maketh a grievous complaint.

not be established.

| Or, for.

I Or, (as some read) into smoke.

8 I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the Lord.

4 My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread.

5 By reason of the voice of my 1 Or, flesh. groaning my bones cleave to my skin. 6 I am like a pelican of the wilder

8. I will early destroy &c.] The meaning may be, "Every morning I will be destroying, &c." The Hebrew courts of justice were held in the morning; see 2 Sam. xv. 2; Jer. xxi. 12. Green. Or, the word here rendered early," may mean "soon." Merrick. Or, "assiduously." Rosenmüller.

How noble a declaration was this in a great king! and how worthy the imitation of all the princes of the earth! How noble a manner too was this of publishing declarations to the people, in solemn and sublime hymns to Almighty God; set to musick, and sung with joy and transport through the land; at once vindicating innocence, and propagating piety! Let this be numbered among the felicities peculiar to David. Dr. Delaney.

Psalm CII. This Psalm seems, by the thirteenth verse, to have been composed about the time that God had promised a restoration to his people from their captivity in Babylon; namely, after a term of seventy years it strongly describes the miseries they suffered during their captivity, and begs God at length to take pity on Jerusalem, and restore it, with the temple, to its former glory; for this would be such an illustrious proof of his divinity, that it would draw all nations to do Him homage; and particularly his attention to this prayer of the poor prisoner should be recorded for his honour to future generations. Mudge. Penitential sorrow being a principal subject of this Psalm, it is suitable to the service of Ash-Wednesday. Travell. Ver. 3. as an hearth.] Literally, as a firebrand. Dr. Wall, Old Translation.

-

7 I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top.

8 Mine enemies reproach me all the day; and they that are mad against me are sworn against me.

9 For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping,

10 Because of thine indignation and thy wrath: for thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down.

that declineth; and I am withered 11 a My days are like a shadow a Isa. 40. 6.

like

grass.

12 But thou, O LORD, shalt endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations.

13 Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.

14 For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof.

15 So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory.

16 When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory.

17 He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.

18 This shall be written for the

James 1. 10.

5. By reason &c.] Extremity of sorrow causeth the flesh to waste, and the bones to press upon the skin, through which they are ready to force their way. Bp. Horne.

6. I am like &c.] The sorrowful man is naturally desirous of retiring from the world, to vent his complaints in solitude, and to pass the nights in watchfulness and prayer. Bp. Horne.

7. I watch,] That is, cares and sorrows so disturb me that I cannot sleep. Rosenmüller.

as a sparrow alone] The bird here mentioned seems to be the solitary sparrow, which is thus described in Brooke's Natural History: "It usually sits alone on the tops of old buildings, and roofs of churches, singing very sweetly, especially in the morning, and is an Oriental bird." Parkhurst.

9. For I have eaten ashes &c.] I am so humbled by my affliction, that, like a mournful penitent, I lie down among the dust and ashes, which mingle themselves with my food, as tears do with my drink. Travell, Bp. Patrick.

13.-the set time, is come.] The time fixed for the continuance of the Babylonish captivity; which was seventy years, Jer. xxix. 10.

Green.

14. take pleasure in her stones,] That is, bear an affection to her ruins. Green.

and favour the dust thereof.] Rather, "and compassionate her dust."

16. When the Lord &c.] From ver. 16 to 22 inclusive, the Psalmist seems to speak prophetically of the Messiah,

The mercies of God are to be recorded.

+ Heb. the children of death.

+ Heb. afflicted.

b Hebr. 1. 10.

generation to come: and the people

A Psalm of David.

the LORD.

19 For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the LORD behold the earth;

20 To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are +appointed to death;

21 To declare the name of the LORD in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem;

22 When the people are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the LORD.

23 He + weakened my strength in the way; he shortened my days.

24 I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations. 25 b Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.

26 They shall perish, but thou shalt + Heb, stand. + endure : yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:

27 But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.

28 The children of thy servants shall continue, and their seed shall be established before thee.

25. Of old hast thou &c.] The application of this and the following verses to Jesus Christ, in the Epistle to the Hebrews, is at once a proof of his Divinity, and of the inspiration of the Psalms. See Heb. i. 10. Travell.

28. The children of thy servants &c.] Whatever may be the fate of the present generation, whether they may live to see the accomplishment of all that has been foretold, or not, yet the word of God standeth sure; there shall be always a Church, and an holy seed, to whom the promise shall be made good. Bp. Horne.

If we had a true devotion in our hearts to form and compound our prayers, and a fervent motion from our hearts to pour them out, we might reasonably as well as piously believe, that every prayer we so send up to heaven would prove effectual, and bring down that from thence to us, for which we pray. The Church hath provided an excellent form of devotion and prayer for all men to concur in at the publick service and worship of God: and whoever reads and considers that form, will find himself best prepared for his private devotions; and may very profitably transplant expressions from thence into his most private and occasional addresses to the Divine Providence. Lord Clarendon.

and that is within me, bless his holy name.

2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.

6, 7.

8 a The LORD is merciful and gra- a Exod. 34. cious, slow to anger, and + plenteous Numb. 14. in mercy.

9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.

10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

18.

Deut. 5. 10.

Neh. 9. 17.

Ps. 86. 15.
Jer. 32. 18.

Heb. great

of mercy.

according to

11 For as the heaven is high + Heb.. above the earth, so great is his mercy the height of toward them that fear him.

12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.

the heaven.

his goodness towards himself and the Israelites; celebrates his great mercy and tender compassion towards his people; and invites all creatures to join with him in praising the name of the Lord. Green. A peculiar strain of tenderness and beauty pervades this Psalm.

Ver. 5.-thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.] That is, as the eagle's vigour is wont to be, after it has renewed its feathers. Dr. Wells. The youth of an eagle is no otherwise renewed than by the succession of new feathers to old ones. In like manner the serpent was said by the Romans "to put off old age" when it cast its skin. Rosenmüller.

9, 10. He will not always chide: &c.] God's chastisements are some of the most eminent proofs of his mercy. They are sent to reclaim us from eternal punishment. They continue not always, but are removed when they have done their work; and while they last, are as nothing in comparison of those heavy stripes which our sins have deserved. Bp. Horne.

12. As far as the east &c.] That is, He hath entirely remitted the punishment due to our manifold offences. Bp. Patrick.

13. Like as a father &c.] See Isa. xlix. 15.