Psalms 144

Psalms 144:1

MY strength] Heb. My rock.

which teacheth my hands to war, &c.] 2 Samuel 22:35. Who, of a poor shepherd, hath made me a valiant warriour and mighty conquerour.

to war] Heb. to the war, &c.

Psalms 144:2

My goodnesse] Or, My mercy. From whom alone I look for kindnesse and protection.

My goodnesse and my fortresse, my high tower and my deliverer, &c.] 2 Samuel 22:2-3; 2 Samuel 22:40.

my deliverer] Heb. my deliverer for me: for the prophet cannot satisfie himself with any words.

who subdueth my people under me] He confesseth, that neither by his own authority, power nor policie his kingdom was kept quiet, but by the secret favour of God.

Psalms 144:3

Lord, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him? or the son of man, &c.] Job 7:17. Psalms 8:4. Hebrews 2:6.

that thou takest knowledge of him?] To give unto God just praise, is, To confesse our selves to be unworthy of so excellent benefits, and that he bestoweth them upon us of his free mercy.

Psalms 144:4

Man is like to vanitie] Job. 14. 2. Psalms 39:5.

Psalms 144:5

Bow thy heavens, O Lord, &c.] Psalms 18:9. Isaiah 64:1. Shew thy self present on earth, by destroying my greatest enemies, who are like mountains, in comparison of other men.

Psalms 144:6

Cast forth lightning and scatter them] Psal. 18. 13, 14. Deliver me by heavenly means, for earthly means fail me.

Psalms 144:7

Send thine hand] Heb. hands. He was in such danger, that he thought he needed both hands, that is, all Gods power, to help him.

from above] From heaven.

out of great waters] Psal. 69. 1, 2, 14.

from the hand of strange children] Deliver me from the tumults of strangers, that professe peace to me: or, of my own people, that carry themselves cruelly toward me, like strangers.

Psalms 144:8

and their right hand is a right hand of falshood] Psalms 26:10. For though they shake hands, yet they keep not promise.

Psalms 144:9

I will sing a new song unto thee] A rare and excellent song, as thy great benefits deserve: or, a new triumphant song after victory, framed especially upon this occasion; the argument whereof is set down, v. 10.

a new song unto thee, O God] Psalms 40:3. and Psalms 98:1.

Psalms 144:10

It is he that giveth] Or, Who givest.

salvation] Or, victory.

delivereth] Or, deliverest.

David his servant] Though strange kings be called Gods servants, as Cyrus, Isaiah 45:1. forasmuch as he useth them to execute his judgements; yet David, and they that rule godly, are properly so called, because they serve not their own affections, but set forth Gods glory.

Psalms 144:11

Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children] Verse 7, 8.

Psalms 144:12

That our sons may be as plants] He desireth God to continue his benefits toward his people, that there may be a hopefull posterity after them.

polished] Heb. cut.

Psalms 144:13

That our garners may be full] That we may have corn not onely to eat plentifully, but also to lay up abundantly.

all manner of store] Heb. from kinde to kinde.

Psalms 144:14

That our oxen may be strong to labour] That our cattell may be very serviceable to us.

strong to labour] Heb. able to bear burdens; or, leaden with fresh.

Psalms 144:15

Happie is that people that is in such a case] Psalms 33:12. and Psalms 65:4. If they be blessed that enjoy outward prosperity, much more happie are they that are in Gods favour.