Psalms 119

Psalms 119:1

BLessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord] See Psalms 128:1.

the undefiled] Here they are not called blessed, which think themselves wise in their own judgement, nor which imagine to themselves a certain kinde of holinesse, but they whose conversation is without hypocrisie, Ezekiel 28:15.

undefiled] Or, perfect, or, sincere.

in the way] A good life is a good way, that leads to heaven.

Psalms 119:2

that keep his testimonies] Gods law testifies of his will, which else were unknown to us.

Psalms 119:3

They also do no iniquitie] They live not in a sinfull course of life: Sin is not their trade, as it is wicked mens, 1 John 3. 9.

do no] Or, that do, or commit.

walk] Or, that walk.

Psalms 119:5

O that my wayes were directed] David acknowledgeth his imperfection, desiring God to reform it, that his life may be conformable to Gods word, Vers. 80.

Psalms 119:7

thy righteous judgements] Heb. judgements of thy righteousnesse. That is, thy precepts; which contain perfect righteousnesse.

Psalms 119:8

O forsake me not utterly] He refuseth not to be tried by tentations; but he feareth, lest he faint, if God succour not his infirmity in time, but leave him wholly to himself.

Psalms 119:9

Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way] Because youth is most given to licenciousnesse, he chiefy warneth them to frame their lives betimes to Gods word, Ecclesiastes 11:9. and Ecclesiastes 12:1.

Psalms 119:11

Thy word have I hid in mine heart] If Gods word be hid in our hearts, we shall be more able to resist the assaults of satan; which, therefore he desired carefully to treasure up, Psalms 37:31. Luk. 2. 19, 51.

Psalms 119:14

I have rejoyced in the way of thy testimonies] The prophet doth not boast of his vertues, but setteth forth an example for others to follow Gods word, and leave worldly vanities.

in] Or, for.

Psalms 119:17

that I may live] He sheweth, that we ought not to desire to live, but to serve God, and that we cannot serve him aright, except he take away our naturall ignorance by the light of his spirit, that we may understand the spirituall meaning of his word.

and keep] Or, to keep.

Psalms 119:18

Open] Heb. Reveal.

Psalms 119:19

I am a stranger in the earth, hide not thy commandments from me] Genesis 47:9. 1 Chro. 29. 15. Psa. 39. 12. Hebrews 11:13.

I am a stranger in the earth] Seeing mans life in this world, is but a passage to heaven, what should become of him, who knows not the way by nature, if Gods word did not guide him thither?

Psalms 119:20

My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgements at all times, Psalms 42:1. and Psalms 63:1. and Psalms 84:1.

Psalms 119:21

Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed] In all ages thou hast plagued all such, which maliciously and contemptuously depart from thy truth.

Psalms 119:22

Remove from me] Or, Roll from upon me.

Psalms 119:23

Princes also did sit and speak against me] Verse 46. When the powers of the world gave false sentence against me, thy word was a guide and a counsellour, to teach me what to do, and to comfort me.

Psalms 119:24

Thy testimonies also are my delight] Heb. delights. That is, they did greatly delight me.

my counsellours] Heb. men of my counsell.

Psalms 119:25

My soul cleaveth unto the dust] That is, I am like one overcome in battell, mortally wounded, and tumbling in the dust, or one in danger to die, and turn to dust; Psalms 44:25. and Psalms 22:15. and without thy word I cannot live.

Psalms 119:26

I have declared my wayes] I have laid open my businesse, and dangers to thee in great difficulties, as to my chief friend, and thou hast advised me ever for my good.

teach me thy statutes] Psalms 25:4. and Psalms 27:11. and Psalms 86:11.

Psalms 119:28

My soul melteth for heavinesse] Psalms 107:26.

melteth] Heb. doppeth.

according unto thy word] That is, thy promise. If Gid did not maintain us by his word, our life would drop away like water, Psalms 22:14.

Psalms 119:29

Remove from me the way of lying] Keep me out of those false wayes, that corrupt nature teacheth, and let thy law guide me in the true way to happinesse.

Psalms 119:32

when thou shalt enlarge my heart] By this he sheweth, that we can neither chuse good, cleave to Gods word, nor run forward in his way, except he make our hearts large to receive his grace, and willing to obey, by freeing from straits, filling us with joy and comfort, Isaiah 60:5. Psalms 4:1.

Psalms 119:33

Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes] He sheweth, that he cannot follow on to the end, except God teach him oft-times, and lead him forward.

Psalms 119:34

with my whole heart] Not onely in outward conversation, but also with inward affection.

Psalms 119:36

and not to covetousnesse] He prayeth specially against this evill affection, as being the root of all evill, 1 Timothy 6:10. and withdrawing men from the love of God and goodnesse, Matthew 6:24. 1 John 2. 15.

Psalms 119:37

Turn away] Heb. Make to passe.

Turn away mine eyes] Because they are chiefest inlets of sinfull objects, Job 31:1. Isaiah 33:15. 2 Samuel 11:2.

from beholding vanitie] Worldly things, that have no substance in them, nor are but shadows, Proverbs 23:5.

Psalms 119:39

for thy judgements are good] Let me not suffer reproach for obeying thy word, which is good.

Psalms 119:40

quicken me in thy righteousnesse] Restore life and strength to me, according to thy faithfull promise, Verse 37.

Psalms 119:41

Let thy mercies come also unto me] He sheweth, that Gods mercy and love, is the first cause of our deliverances.

Psalms 119:42

So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me] Or, So shall I answer him that reproacheth me in a thing, or, in ought. When thy promise is effected, I can stop the mouth of my scoffing adversaries, Psalms 107:42.

Psalms 119:43

take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth] Make me not ashamed to speak of thy promises any more, by not performing those thou hast made to me already.

Psalms 119:45

And I will walk at libertie] I shall be free from all distresse of soul and body, Vers. 32.

at liberty] Heb. at large.

Psalms 119:46

before kings] He sheweth, that the children of God ought not to be daunted from giving testimony to Gods truth, by any power or fear of princes, Dan. 3. 13, 16. Matth. 10. 18, 19. Vers. 23.

Psalms 119:48

My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments] I will addresse my self unto the doing of thy will, as a workman doth to his work.

Psalms 119:49

Remember the word unto thy servant] Though he feel Gods hand still to lie upon him, yet he resteth on his promise, and comforteth himself therein.

Psalms 119:51

The proud have had me greatly in derision] Meaning, the wicked, which contemn Gods word, and tread his religion under foot.

Psalms 119:52

I remembred thy judgements of old] That is, the examples, whereby thou declarest thy self to be judge of the world.

Psalms 119:53

Hrrour hath taken hold upon me] A vehement zeal for thy glory, and indignation against the wicked: or, dread of persecution from them.

because of the] Heb. from the.

Psalms 119:54

in the house of my pilgrimage] In all the places where I have been banished: or, in the course of my life, which is but a sorrowfull pilgrimage, Genesis 47. 9.

pilgrimage] Heb. pilgrimages.

Psalms 119:55

in the night] Even when others sleep, Psalms 63:6.

Psalms 119:56

This I had] This comfort in afflictions from thee day and night, vers. 54, 55.

Psalms 119:57

Thou art my portion, O Lord] Psalms 16:5. and Psalms 142:5. It may be read, O Lord, I have said, my portion is to keep thy word: that is, I am perswaded, that to keep thy aw is an heritage, and great gain for me, John 4. 34.

my portion, O Lord] Or, O Lord my portion, Vers. 126.

Psalms 119:58

favour] Heb. face.

Psalms 119:59

I thought on my wayes] He called himself to account for his former courses, and amended what he found amisse in them, Lamentations 3:40.

Psalms 119:61

bands] Or, companies, 1 Samuel 10:10.

Psalms 119:62

because of thy righteous judgements] Gods word is a great benefit, and he is worthy of great praise for giving i to us: or, he promises to praise God night and day for his judgements executed upon his enemies, according to his word.

thy righteous judgements] Heb. thy judgements of righteousnesse.

Psalms 119:63

I am a companion of all them that fear thee] Not onely by mutuall consent, but also by ayd and succour, Psalms 16:3. to any godly, be they never so mean.

Psalms 119:64

The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy] As thou givest to every creature good things according to the nature of it, so give my soul spirituall knowledge.

Psalms 119:65

Thou hast dealt wll with thy servant] Having proved by experience, that God was true in his promise, he desireth that he would encrease in him knowledge and judgement.

Psalms 119:67

Before I was afflicted, I went astray] Jere. 31. 18, 19. The use of Gods rods, is to bring us home to God, Vers. 71. Heb. 12. 10, 11.

Psalms 119:70

Their heart is as fat as grease] Their heart is indurate and hardned, puffed up with prosperity, and vain estimation of themselves, Psalms 17:10. Isaiah 6:10.

Psalms 119:71

It is good for me that I have been afflicted] He confesseth, that before he was chastned, he was rebellious, as man by nature is, Vers. 67.

Psalms 119:72

The law of thy mouth is better unto me, then thousands of gold and silver] Psalms 19:10. Proverbs 8:11.

Psalms 119:73

Thy hands have made me, and fashioned me] Job. 10. 8.

Thy hands have made me] Because I am thy creature, teach me to serve thee, who art my maker, Psalms 95:6. and 100. 2, 3. and 138. 8.

Psalms 119:74

They that fear thee, will be glad when they see me] When God sheweth his grace toward any, he testifieth to others, That he faileth not them that trust in him, and so makes them glad also.

Psalms 119:75

right] Heb. righteousnesse.

that thou in faithfulnesse hast afflicted me] That thou hast shewed thy faithfulnesse, even in correcting me, thy correction making for my good, Hebrews 12:10. 1 Peter 4:19.

thou in faithfulnesse] Or, it is faithfulnesse that thou.

Psalms 119:76

for my comfort] Heb. to comfort me.

Psalms 119:77

that I may live] That I may be freed from these afflictions, for men in adversity are like dead men.

thy law is my delight] See notes on vers. 24.

delight] Heb. delights, as vers. 92.

Psalms 119:79

turn unto me] Be comforted by my example, and joyn with me, vers. 74.

those that have known thy testimones] He sheweth, that the true fear of God is not without the knowledge of his word.

Psalms 119:80

that I be not ashamed] Which I should be, if I did not keep thy statutes, vers. 6. 31.

Psalms 119:81

My soul fainteth for thy salvation] Though my strength fail me, yet my soul groaneth and sigheth, resting still in thy word.

Psalms 119:82

Mine eyes fail for thy word] Psalms 69:3.

Psalms 119:83

like a bottle in the smoke] Like as a skin bottle or bladder that is shrivelled in the smoke.

Psalms 119:84

How many are the dayes of thy servant?] How long wilt thou afflict thy servant? Psalms 89:47.

Psalms 119:85

The proud have digged pits for me] They have not onely oppressed me violently, but also craftily conspired against me, Psalms 35:7.

Psalms 119:86

faithfull] Heb. faithfulnesse.

help thou me] He desireth the true God to help him against false dealing persecutours.

Psalms 119:87

upon earth] The uttermost that they could do, could not make me forsake thy law.

Psalms 119:88

Quicken me after thy loving kindnesse] Suffer me to live: or, raise me out of these troubles. See notes on ver. 40, 77.

Psalms 119:89

For ever, O Lord, thy word is setled in heaven] Because none should esteem Gods word, according to the changes of things in this world, he sheweth, that it abideth in heaven, and so abideth immutable: or, the permanency of it, is seen in the continuance of the heavens: so of the earth, vers. 90. and so vers. 91. They continue, that is, heaven and earth, for they are thy servants.

Psalms 119:90

unto all generations] Heb. to generation and generation.

abideth] Heb. standeth.

Psalms 119:91

They continue this day] Seeing the earth, and all creatures remain in that estate, wherein thou hast created them, much more thy truth remaineth constant and unchangeable.

Psalms 119:92

my delights] See notes on vers. 24.

Psalms 119:93

with them thou hast quickened me] See notes on v. 77, 88.

Psalms 119:94

I am thine, save me] He proveth by the effect, that he is Gods childe, because he seeketh to understand his will, that he may do it.

Psalms 119:96

I have seen an end of all perfection] There is nothing so perfect on earth, but it hath an end: onely Gods word lasteth for ever, Isaiah 40:8.

Psalms 119:97

it is my meditation all the day] Our daily meditating of Gods law, is a sure token that we love it, Psalms 1:2.

Psalms 119:98

Thou though thy commandments hast made me] Or, Each of thy commandments hath made me.

they are ever with me] Heb. it is ever with me.

Psalms 119:99

I have more understanding then all my teachers] Whosoever doth submit himself onely to Gods word, shall not onely be safe against the practices of his enemies, but also learn more wisdom, then they that professe it, and are men of experience, 2 Tim. 3.

Psalms 119:100

I understand more then the ancients] Job 32:8.

Psalms 119:102

for thou hast taught me] God doth acquaint us with his will, that we may do it, Psalms 86:11.

Psalms 119:103

How sweet are thy words unto my taste] Psalms 19:10.

taste] Heb. palate.

Psalms 119:104

therefore I hate every false way] Vers. 128.

Psalms 119:105

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet] Of our selves we are but darknesse, and cannot see, except we be enlightned with Gods word.

lamp] Or, candle. Proverbs 6:23.

Psalms 119:106

I have sworn] Nehe. 10. 29. By solemn oath and promise, he stirred up himself to embrace Gods word.

Psalms 119:107

quicken me] See notes on vers. 77, 88.

Psalms 119:108

the free-will-offerings of my mouth] Give me cause by delivering me, to praise thee, and offer what I have freely vowed, Psal. 116. 17, 18. and 54. 6.

Psalms 119:109

in my hand] I am continually in danger of my life. A thing in the hand, is easily taken away. See the like phrase, Judg. 12. 3. 1 Samuel 19:5. and 1 Samuel 28:21. Job 13:14.

Psalms 119:110

have laid a snare for me] Psalms 140:5. and Psalms 141:9.

Psalms 119:111

as an heritage for ever] Deuteronomy 33:4. I esteemed no worldly thing so, but made thy word mine inheritance.

Psalms 119:112

to perform] Heb. to do.

Psalms 119:113

I hate vain thoughts] Whosoever will embrace Gods word aright, must abhorre all fantasies and imaginations of himself and others, in Gods service, and the way to heaven.

Psalms 119:114

my hiding-place] Psalms 32:7.

and my shield] Psalms 18:2.

Psalms 119:115

Depart from me, ye evill doers] Matthew 7:23. Psl. 6. 8. And hinder me not in keeping Gods law.

Psalms 119:116

let me not be ashamed of my hope] Which I shall be, if I have not the thing hoped for, Romans 5:5.

Psalms 119:117

Hold thou me up] He desireth Gods continuall assistance, lest he should faint in this race, which he had begun.

Psalms 119:118

their deceit it is falshood] The crafty practices of them who contemn thy law, shall be brought to nought.

Psalms 119:119

puttest away] Heb. causest to cease.

like drosse] Ezekiel 22:18; Ezekiel 22:22. Which infect thy people, as drosse doth the metall.

dresse] Heb. dresses. That is, the vilest drosse.

Psalms 119:120

My flesh trembleth for fear of thee] Thy judgements do not onely teach me obedience, but also cause me to fear, considering mine own weaknesse, Hab. 3. 16.

Psalms 119:122

Be swety for thy servant for good] Put thy self between mine enemies and me, as if thou were my pledge.

Psalms 119:123

Mine eyes fail for thy salvation] Verse 82.

the word of thy righteousnesse] Or, thy rihteous word, as vers. 62.

Psalms 119:124

Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy] He boasteth not of his service to God, but desireth that as he made him by his grace, so he would continue his favour toward him.

Psalms 119:126

It is time for thee] The prophet sheweth, that when the wicked have brought all things to confusion, and Gods word to utter contempt, then it is Gods time to help and send remedy.

to work] To perform thy promise to me, lest I be destroyed by my foes, who will be kept in by no laws any longer, no not by the law of God.

Psalms 119:127

Therefore I love thy commandments above gold, yea, above fine gold] Psalms 19:10. Proverbs 8:11.

Therefore I love thy commandments] Seeing they discourage men, so that few dare serve thee, I do it the more diligently lest thy service should fall to the ground.

Psalms 119:128

I hate every false way] Vers. 101, 104. That is, whatsoever dissenteth from the purity of thy word.

Psalms 119:129

Thy testimonies are wonderfull] Containing high and secret mysteries, so that I am moved with admiration, and reverence of them.

Psalms 119:130

The entrance of thy words giveth light] The simple idiots, that submit themselves to God, have their eyes opened, and their mindes illuminated, so soon as they begin to read Gods word, Psal. 19. 7, 8.

Psalms 119:131

and panted] My zeal toward thy word was so great. A metaphor from those that run after a thing they earnestly desire, till they be out of breath: or, from thirsty creatures, Psalms 42:1.

Psalms 119:132

Look thou upon me, &c.] Psal. 106 4.

as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name] Heb. according to the custome towards those, &c.

Psalms 119:133

let not any iniquity have dominion ever me] Psa. 19. 13.

Psalms 119:135

to shine upon thy servant] Psalms 4:6.

Psalms 119:136

Rivers of waters run down mine eyes] He sheweth, what ought to be the zeal of Gods children, when they see his word contemned.

Psalms 119:137

upright are thy judgements] It becomes those that confesse God to be righteous, to acknowledge his laws to be so also, and to live according to them.

Psalms 119:138

righteous] Heb. righteousnesse.

faithfull] Heb. faithfulnesse.

Psalms 119:139

Myzeal hath consumed me] Psalms 69:9. John 2:17.

consumed me] Heb. ut me off.

Psalms 119:140

Thy word is very pure] Gold had need to be fined, but thy word is perfection it self, Psalms 12:6.

pure] Heb. tried, or, refined.

Psalms 119:141

I am small and despised] This is the true tryall, to stick to Gods law in adversitie.

Psalms 119:143

taken hold on me] Heb. sound me.

Psalms 119:144

and I shall live] So that the life of man, without the knowledge of God, is death.

Psalms 119:145

I cried with my whole heart] He sheweth, that all his affections and whole heart were bent to Godward, for to have help in his dangers.

Psalms 119:146

and I shall keep] Or, that I may keep.

Psalms 119:148

Mine eyes prevent the night watches] He was more earnest in the study of Gods word, then they that kept the watch, were in their charge, Psalms 130:6.

Psalms 119:149

judgement] Or, custome, Vers 132.

Psalms 119:150

that follow after mischief] That earnestly seek to undo me.

Psalms 119:152

Concerning] Or, Out of.

Psalms 119:154

Plead my cause, and deliver me] Psalms 35:1. and Psalms 43:1.

according to thy word] For without Gods promise, there is no hope of deliverance.

Psalms 119:156

Great] Or, Many.

judgements] Or, customes.

Psalms 119:158

and was grieved] See notes on verse 136.

Psalms 119:159

Consider how I love thy precepts] Our love of Gods law is a good argument to move God to deliver us.

Psalms 119:160

Thy word is true. from the beginning] Heb. The beginning of thy word is true. Since thou first promisedst, even to the end, all thy sayings are true.

Psalms 119:161

Princes have persecuted me without a cause] The threatnings and persecutions of princes could not cause me to shrink from confessing thee, whom I more fear then men, verse 23, 42. or, they sought to kill me, but I durst not hurt them when I could, because I feared thy law, as 1 Samuel 24:6.

Psalms 119:164

Seven times a day do I praise thee] That is, often and sundry times, Proverbs 24:16. and Proverbs 26:25.

Psalms 119:165

Great peace have they which love thy law] God takes care for their good, that take care to do him service according to his law.

nothing shall offend them] Heb. they shall have no stumblingblock.

Psalms 119:166

Lord, I have hoped for thy salvation] Genesis 49:18.

and done thy commandments] They that make no conscience of obeying God, cannot hope for deliverance from him.

Psalms 119:168

for all my wayes are before thee] Job 34:21. I had no respect of men, so as to offend thee, but set thee alwayes before mine eyes, as the judge of my doings, and therefore studied to please thee.

Psalms 119:169

Let my cry come near before thee] My earnest prayer.

according to thy word] As thou hast promised to be a teacher unto all them that depend upon thee.

Psalms 119:170

Let my supplication come before thee] My prayer for favour.

Psalms 119:171

My lips shall utter praise] Verse 7. This word signifieth, to pour forth continually, like a fountain, Psalms 78:2.

when thou hast taught me thy statutes] All his prayer and desire is to profit in the word of God.

Psalms 119:173

for I have chosen thy precepts] Joshua 24:22. Proverbs 1:29. To follow it of mine own accord: or, among all other things, for my chief good and treasure, wherewith I am satisfied.

Psalms 119:174

I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord] Vers. 166.

delight] Heb. delights.

Psalms 119:175

let thy judgements help me] That is, thy provident care over me, and wherewith thou wilt judge mine enemies.

Psalms 119:176

I have gone astray like a lost sheep] Isaiah 53:6. Being chased to and fro, by mine enemies, and having no resting place: Thou therefore that art the good shepherd, Luke 15:4. seek me, and bring me home into the church, which is thy fold.