3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; SO e shalt thou dwell in the land, and 4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; a 7. 1 Sam. 1:6--8. Prov. 19:3. 24:1,19. b 73:3. Prov. 3:31. 23:17. Gal. 5:21. Jam. 4:5,6. e 35,36. 73:17-20, 90:5,6. 92:7. 129.5-7. Job 20-5-9. Jam. 1. 10,11. 1 Pet. 1:24. d 4:5. 26.1. Is. 1:16--19. 50:10. Jer. 17:7,8. 1 Cor. 15:57,58. Heb. 6:10-12. e Gen. 26:2. 1 Sam. 26:19. Heb. Heb. in truth, or, stableness. g 43:4. 104:34. Job 27:10. 34:9, and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. 5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him, and he shall bring it to pass. 6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy 1 judgment as the noon-day. 7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: "fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. 8 PCease from anger, and forsake h 21:1,2. 145:19. John 15:7,16. Heb. Roll thy way upon. 55: i Job 22:28. Ec. 9:1. Lam. 3:37. k 31:20. Is. 54:17. Mic. 7:8,9. 1 Job 11:17. Mal. 3:18. Matt. Heb. Be silent to. 62:1. Josh. 10:12. Jon. 1:11. margins. m 27:14. 40:1. Is. 8:17. 30:15. Lam. 3:25,26. Hab. 2:3. Gal. 6:9. Heb. 10:36,37. Jam. 5:711. n 1,8. 73.3-14. Jer. 12:1. o ob 21:7, &c. Ec. 5.8. Is. 16 13,14. Dan. 11:36. Rev. 13.310. p Job 5:2. 18:4. Prov. 14:29. 16: 32. Eph. 4:26,51. Jam. 1:19, 20. 3:14-18. begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet, nearly in regular order: and this arrangement, which, with some variations, is frequently adopted, might be intended as a help to those, who desired to commit to memory these sacred poems, for their comfort and benefit in silence and solitude.-The Mosaic dispensation engaged peculiar temporal blessings to the nation of Israel, while they were obedient: yet individuals frequently prospered in wickedness, while the righteous were afflicted and persecuted. (Notes, Ps. 73:1-17.) This seemed to imply an inconsistency between the word and the providence of God, and formed a great trial to ancient believers. To this difficulty the Psalmist here gives a copious solution, with many excellent cautions and counsels, which at the same time are equally suited, by varying a few expressions, to the case of Christians in this evil world. (Marg. Ref.-Notes, 73:18-22. Prov. 23:17,18. 24:19,20.) by contemplating the perfections of their almighty more for ever. NOTES. V. 3. This verse may be rendered: "Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land; and feed thou verily," or in confidence. All the verbs are imperative.-The union between entire dependence on God, and doing good, as the way to be comfortable and happy, is peculiarly to be noticed. The land of Canaan was considered as the sum of earthly, and the type of heavenly felicity: be provided for in the Lord's land, and there to dwell under his protection, near his ordinances, and among his people, was all that the genuine Israelite could desire. But the words may be considered as an exhortation to the people to dwell in the land, and not to remove on every difficulty among the surrounding Gentiles; with a promise that verily God would feed them there. (Notes, Ruth 1:1-10.) V. 4. To "delight," not in earthly possessions, pleasures, and distinctions, but in God; in knowing, loving, and worshipping him and enjoying his love, and in contemplation, devotion, and admiring praise; is to be spiritually-minded, like the inhabitants of heaven, and qualified for their felicity. He that seeks delight in worldly objects very seldom obtains the wishes of his heart; but the largest and most earnest desires and requests of those who delight in God will be granted, nay, far exceeded. (Marg. Ref.-Notes, Is. 58:13,14 Hab. 3:17-19. Rom. 5:11. 8:5–9. Phil. 4:4. Col. PSALM XXXVII. V. 1, 2. It is probable, that|| this psalm was written towards the close of David's life, as the result of his long experience and observation, for the instruction and encouragement of others, who might be called to pass through such trying scenes, as he had been conversant with.-Every other verse, in the original,||3:1-4. 1 Pet. 1:8,9.) B C. 1017. wrath fret not thyself in any wise to || do evil. 13 The LORD shall laugh at him, d 14 The wicked have drawn out the 9 For evil doers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay shall inherit the earth. 10 For yet a little while, and thet such as be of upright conversation. * thou shalt wicked" shall not be: yea, diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. 11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. 12 The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. q 31:22. 73:15, 116:11. 1 Sam. 25:21,22,33. Jer. 20:14,15. Jon. 4:1,9. Luke 9:54,55. ₪ 35,36. 55.23. Job 20:23-29. 27:13,&c. $ 11,22,29. 25:13. Is. 53:14. 60: 21. Heb. 11:16. Rev. 5:10. t 73:18-20. Job 24:24. Heb. 10:37. 1 Pet. 4:7. Rev. 6:10, 11. 1 Sam. 25:38,39, 2 Kings 9: z 36:8. 72:7. 119:165. 1s. 26:3. a 32. 1 Sam. 18:21. 23:7-9. 2 15 Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken. 16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked. 17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous. 18 The LORD c 2:4. Prov. 1:26. d 1 Sam. 26:10. Jer. 50:27. Ez. e 64:2-6. Acts 12:2,3,11,23. g 7:14,15. 35:8. *Or, practiseth. Dan. 8:12, h 46:9. u 35,36. 49:10. 103:16. Jub 7: 24. Jer. 1:56. knoweth "the days ... 'their enemies, without envy, anger, or complaint. V. 5-8. 'When thou hast any difficult business in hand, .... or when thou knowest not what course 'to take, for accomplishing of thy honest designs; 'leave all to the Lord, and trust to him, in pious 'and upright courses, that he will direct and assist 'thee, and bring things to a good issue.' Bp. Patrick. (Notes, Prov. 3:5,6. Phil. 4:5-7.) The original is "Roll thy way, &c." (Marg.-Notes, 55:22. Prov. 16:3. marg. 1 Pet. 5:5-7.) The Septuagint render it "Reveal thy way, &c.;"'pleasing." which is very expressive of the relief which the believer, when burdened with trouble and anxiety, obtains by opening his case, and pouring out his soul, before God in fervent prayers. (Notes, 1 Sam. 1:9-16.) This may especially be hoped for under unmerited calumnies, which for a while darken the reputation, as mists and clouds obscure the sun; but God will in due time clear up the character of the upright, and make it as bright as V. 12-15. The holiness and happiness of the the noon-day. (Notes, Is. 54:15-17. Mic. 7:810. Rom. 8:32-34.) Silent waiting on God, in pa- righteous, and the special favor which God shews tience and confidence, is therefore recommended; them, excite the enmity and envy of the wicked. without giving way either to that uneasiness and Thus Cain hated, and envied, and murdered agitation, which are generally felt, when the un-Abel; (Notes, Gen. 4:1-12.) thus Saul, from a godly for a while prosper, and run down the con- similar spirit, plotted against David, and gnashed scientious; or to eagerness in self-vindication: on him with his teeth; and thus the Jewish rulers and especially a caution is given against anger persecuted the holy Jesus and his disciples. and bitterness, and an imitation of the violent (Note, 35:15,16.) For a while they seem to prostempers and unjust measures of those who are the per; but the Lord despises their impotent malobjects of indignation and of envy. (Marg. Ref.) ice, and foresees the day, when they will suffer V. 9. (Note, 36:12.)-The earth.] Or "the the just punishment of their crimes; and when land." He has all that the earth itself can sup-all their policy and violence will only serve ply, who has food and raiment, and things suited to enhance their own misery. (Notes, 2:1-6. to his station, with peace, contentment, and a 7:12-16.) This is the certain doom of all impenitent persecutors, in proportion to their dethankful heart. (Notes, 10,11,21,22. Matt. 5:5.) V. 10, 11. The whole duration of the world it-liberate enmity against the cause of God, and 'self is but "a little while," in the sight of him, his image in his humble, afflicted, and upright "whose hope is full of immortality. But the caV. 16, 17. The little, which is allotted to the 'lamities and deaths of princes, the tragical fate of empires "swept with the besom of destruc-righteous, comes from special covenanted love, whose place is and is secured by faithful promises; it is given tion;" the overthrow of cities, now no where to be found by the most curious in answer to their prayers, and in the use of and diligent inquirer, and the desolations of the lawful means; it is received with thankfulness, 'chosen city Jerusalem;-all these are even now and used with temperance and charity, and being sufficient to draw forth the tear of commise- attended with a blessing it subserves the salvation ⚫ration, and to extinguish the kindling spark of of their souls: and in all these, and many other envy, in every considerate mind. The meek ... respects, it is far more comfortable and profitable, [187 ⚫bear their own adversities, and the prosperity of than the ill-gotten or abused riches of ungodly servants. 19 They shall not be ashamed Pin the evil time: and 9 in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. 20 But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the * fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away. c LORD: and he de 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. 25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. 26 He is ever merciful, and lend k 21 The wicked borroweth, and pay-eth; and his seed is blessed. eth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy and giveth. 22 For such as be shall inherit the earth; y cursed of him shall be 23 The steps of a o 16:11. 21:4. 73:24. 103:17. Is. 60:21. Rom. 5:21. 6:23. 1 Pet. 1:4,5. p Ec. 9:12. 1 John 2:25. Am. 5.13. Mic. 2: 3. Eph. 5:16. q 33:19. Job 5:20-22. 10:3. Is. 33:16. Prov. blessed of him 4:1-5. Neh. 5:1-5. Prov. u 112:5,9. Deut. 15:9--11. Job x 11,18. 32:1. 115:15. 128:1. men: (Notes, Prov. 30:7-9. Matt. 6:11. 1 Tim. 27 Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. 28 For the LORD " loveth judgment, and " forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off. † Or, established. 40:2. Prov. 5:7. Luke 6:35-38. i Prov. 20:7. Jer. 32:39. c 91:12. 91-18. 145:14. Prov. d 17. 145:14. John 10:27-30. f 28. 94:14. Josh. 1:5. 1 Sam. Heb. all the day. 6 21. 112:5,9. Deut. 15:9. Matt. Prov. 16: 6,17. Is. 1:16,17. 2 Tim. 2 19. Tit. 2:11-14. 13. 1 Thes. 5:15. Tit. 3.8,14. Heb. 13:16,21. 1 John 2:16, 17. m 11.7. 45.6,7. 99:4. Is. 61:8. n 25,40. 92:13-15. Is. 59.21. Ex. 20:5. Job 18:19. him. (Notes, 147:10,11. 1 Sam. 2:9. Jer. 9:23, 24. Zeph. 3:14-20. Phil. 4:14-20. Heb. 13: 15,16.)—A good man may fall through temptation, as David had done in a most deplorable manner: but he shall not be cast down to rise no more, as hypocrites are, or be a castaway, one finally rejected by God; because God himself V. 18, 19. God knows what things his children upholds him by his mighty power. (Marg, Ref.) need, what dangers and enemies await them, and V. 25, 26. There is not indeed an absolute what sorrows they endure: he is omnipotent and promise in scripture that no righteous man shall all-sufficient; and it is "his good pleasure to give ever want bread, or his seed become beggars: them the kingdom," the eternal inheritance; so but the Psalmist had never, during a long course that he will never leave them to want any thing of observation, known an instance of the kind. really good for them by the way, however dis- It is, no doubt, a very rare case in any age, but tressing the times may be in which they live; nor was peculiarly so under the Mosaic dispensation. will he suffer them to be ashamed of their confi--Yet times of persecution seem excepted from dence in him. (Notes, 1:4—6. Matt. 6:25-32. Luke 12:22-34.) V. 20. Fat of lambs.] As the fat of the sacrifices was consumed on the altar by the fire, (which was a type of God's righteous vengeance upon sinners,) till it vanished into smoke; so the wicked will be the sacrifices to God's justice, and be destroyed by the fire of his indignation. (Note, Gen. 4:3—5.) V. 21, 22. The wicked, though for a while prosperous, would soon be reduced, by the secret curse of God on his affairs, to borrow; and be disabled from paying, as well as careless about it: but the righteous would be rendered able to gratify his inclination in acts of liberal mercy, through the divine blessing, and the promise which secured to him the inheritance of the land. -This more especially referred to the Israelites in Canaan; yet the same blessing and curse, even in temporal things, are still often experienced and observed. (Notes, Deut. 28:3-14,43,44. Prov. 22:7.) V. 23, 24. Our translators here insert the word good; and no doubt the pious man, the true believer, is exclusively meant.-God directs, counsels, and supports his steps; and he delights in his holy conversation, and the fruits of his own Spirit, which are through Christ well pleasing to 1881 general rules concerning temporal things, having so many particular promises relating to them: and we cannot tell how it may please our wise and righteous God for our good, to try our faith and patience, or to remove us out of this world; or how he may see good to dispose of our posterity. But in general the godly man will best secure himself and his children from want: and that genuine liberality to the poor, in giving or lending, according as circumstances may require, which men think will impoverish their families, is in fact by far the best way of laying up a provision for them. (Notes, 112:5-10. Prov. 11:24-26. 13:22,23. 19:17. Ec. 11:1-6.) V. 27, 28. This general counsel for present and future happiness is here again inculcated, (Note, 34:11-14.) in a manner which shews, that none but the saints, the regenerate and believing who have obtained mercy, do thus "depart from evil and do good:" and the final preservation of the saints is most expressly maintained, and grounded on the Lord's love of judgment, and faithfulness to his promises.-Some think this doctrine is to be found no where, except in St. Paul's epistles; and then they endeavor to explain away his language: but not one sentence in his writings is more explicit, than this declaration of the inspired Psalmist. (Note, 1 Pet. 1:3–5.) B. C. 1017 PSALM XXXVII. 29 P The righteous shall inherit the power, and spreading himself like a land, and dwell therein for ever. 30 The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment. 31 The law of his God is in his S t * heart; none of his steps shall slide. 34 Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it. 35 I have seen the wicked in great p 9,11,18,27. Deut. 30:20. Prov. 2:21. 2 Pet. 3:13. Rev. 21:3, 4,7. q 71:15,24. Deut. 6:7-9, Prov. 10:21,31. 15:7. 25:11-13. 27: 9. Matt. 12:35. Eph. 4:29. r 1:2, 40:3. 119:11. Deut. 11:18 s 23. 121:3. *Or, goings. 40:2. t 12. 10.8-10. Jer. 20:10. Luke 6:7, 11:54. 14:1. 19:47, man, 43. 110:20. Acts 9:24. x 109.31. Rom. 8:1,33,34. y 3,9. 27:14. Prov. 20.22. z Job 17:9. 23:10-12. Prov. 4: a 92:10. 112:9. Luke 14:11. 1 b 52:5,6. 91:8. 92:11. V. 29-31. (Notes, 9-11.)-"The righteous whose mouth speaketh wisdom, whose tongue talketh of judgment, and in whose heart is the law of his God, shall not slide in any of his steps." Thus some render these verses, which strongly mark the character of those saints, "who are preserved for ever." (Notes, 40:6-8. Jer. 31:33,34. Rom. 7:22-25.)-Wise and pious conversation, when it comes from the abundance of the heart, and is enforced by a holy example, is|| one grand means of communicating the savor of divine truth around, in families and neighborhoods, and of transmitting it to posterity. (Notes, 71:13-15,22-24. Prov. 10:20,21. 15:7. 25:11,12. Matt. 12:33-37. Jam. 3:3-12. P. O. 1-12.) V. 32, 33. In general, God will defend his servants against the designs of wicked men, when, under color of law, they seek to murder them by a judicial process: and in those cases in which he, for wise reasons, allows persecutors to prosper; he will finally rescue the persecuted from their malice, and openly reverse their unrighteous decisions.-The wicked one, "the accuser of the brethren," will in like manner be baffled and silenced. (Notes, 5-8,12-15. Rom. 8:32-39.) V. 34. The apostle, writing to the Hebrew 'converts, under affliction and persecution, thus 'expresseth the sentiment contained in this verse; "Cast not away your confidence, which hath 'great recompense of reward: for ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of "God ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come, will come Heb. 10:35-37.' Bp. and will not tarry." Horne. (Notes, Job 17:8,9. 23:8-12, Prov. 4: 23-27.) V. 35, 36. The text of our translation gives, as the emblem of a wicked man's prosperity, an ever-green, flourishing and beautiful to look upon, but bearing no fruit, or only such as is poisonous. But most expositors suppose that a tree, growing in its native soil and never transplanted, is meant: and in these circumstances, trees acquire their largest and most luxuriant growth. || 40 And the LORD shall help them, † Or, a green tree that groweth | f 1:4-6. 9:17. 52:5. Prov. 14: Dan. 4:20, d See on 10.-Ex. 15:9,10,19. e Job1:1. 42:12-17. Is. 32:17. g 3:8. Is. 12:2. Jon. 2:9. Eph 2:8. b 9:9. 46:1. 91:15. Is. 33:2. Col. 1:11. 2 Tim. 4.17. i Is. 31:5, 46:4. 1 John 2:13,14 1 22:4,5. 1 Chr. 5:20. (Marg.)-Thus Saul, Doeg, and Ahithophel, in V. 37, 38. He that patiently and accurately observes the dealings of God with his upright, consistent, and faithful servants, will find, that whatever trials, temptations, and disquietudes they have during a great part of their lives, their closing scene is tranquil and comfortable; and that there are very few exceptions to this general rule. But a contrary and dreadful end, sooner or later, awaits all the ungodly. (Marg. Ref.) V.39, 40. Marg. Ref.-Notes, Eph. 2:4-10. 2 Tim. 4:16-18. Tit. 2:11-14. PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. It is of vast importance to understand the present and future condition of the righteous and the wicked, that we may know what to choose and to expect. The workers of iniquity, who cast off the fear of God, to follow their own corrupt inclinations; and who are fraudulent, covetous, sensual, or profane; who "plot against the righteous, gnashing upon them with their teeth," and using their power and subtlety to oppress, ruin, and murder the poor: even such monsters of wickedness often prosper for a time, succeed in pomp, their projects, flourish in wealth, mirth, and seem to enjoy happiness. (Note, Job 21:7-16.) But their flourishing resembles that of the grass, and they will be soon cut down and withered: shortly they will be no more found on earth; into heaven they cannot enter; hell alone remains for them, where they will for ever be fended God. Then their power of doing missacrifices to the righteous vengeance of their of[189 chief will be at an end, and their injurious and swords will pierce their own souls, with inex- wicked. The Lord himself will uphold and propressible anguish. As they are now under the tect them: he knows their days and will proportion wrath and curse of the Almighty, their plenty their strength and comfort, and in no evil time and prosperity only pamper them for destruction; shall they be ashamed of their confidence; for and the wealth which they leave behind them "they are the blessed of the LORD, and their proves a snare, and often a curse, to their pos- children with them." He orders their steps and terity; while terrors of conscience, dread of delights in their way; if they fall under temptadeath, and furious passions, mar their precarious tion, they shall not be utterly cast down; if into enjoyments, and give them a sad foretaste of the trouble, he will not leave them to sink under it. wrath to come. Who that believes these things, Their work of faith, and labor and liberality of can envy them, or fret themselves at beholding love, instead of impoverishing them, shall lay up their success and magnificence; while, like the an inheritance for their children; and few accuheathen sacrifices, they are led to the slaughter, rate observers of mankind have known the conadorned with gaudy ribands, and accompanied sistent believer, or his children, reduced to abwith the viol, the song, and the dance?-But the ject, friendless penury. In short, the Lord, righteous bear another character, meet with oth- having separated his people from the world, and er treatment, have other supports, and will ex- taught them to love righteousness and judgment, perience a contrary end. They "trust in the will preserve them for ever; and however they LORD," walk in his ordinances and command- may be slandered, tempted, or persecuted by the ments, and imitate him who went about doing way, their end shall be serene and happy: they good to the bodies and souls of men. They de- shall have hope in their death, and be better light in the favor and service of God, and expect spoken of afterwards, than during their lives; and their happiness from him; the leading desires of while they enjoy their everlasting inheritance, their hearts are after communion with him, and they will witness the destruction of all impenitent conformity to him, and to be instrumental to his transgressors. Even in this world it is evident, glory; they follow after meekness, humility, and that the afflicted righteous man is far happier a blameless conversation; they are upright and than the most prosperous of the wicked.-Let sincere; and though often poor and needy, they sinners then be counselled to "depart from evil, spare from other expenses a portion, to lend and and to do good;" to repent, and forsake sin, to give, as occasion requires. Their mouth will be trust in the mercy of God through Jesus Christ, speaking of wisdom, and their tongue will be and take his yoke upon them, and learn of him, talking of judgment: and this springs from the that they may dwell for evermore in heaven. abundance of the heart, in which the law of God Let us all watch against impatience, envy, and is written; and comports with the actions of their despondency, and look more to the wretched end lives which are ordered in his ways. Their sal- of wicked men, than to their present state; comvation is from the Lord, and reigns within; and mitting all we are, and have, and do, to the it appears that they are accepted through the Lord's disposal, being assured that he will order Let us cease from merits of Christ, because they are partakers of that which is best for us. his Spirit, and bring forth “the fruits of the Spir- wrath and contention, which are sure inlets to it."-Yet must such Christians expect tribula- evil doing; and wait for and on the Lord, and tion in the world. They are not exempted from keep his way, without wearying or turning aside: the common afflictions of life, or pampered with let us endeavor to give energy to edifying conworldly prosperity; their heavenly Father does versation, by holy living: let us mark the closing not withhold from them salutary correction; the scenes of different characters; and thus keeping world hates and despises them; calumnies, re- our eyes fixed on eternal things, and our deproaches, and persecutions are their usual por-pendence on God's mercy, we may pass safely tion: while some have been constrained to wander in dens and caves, others ("of whom the world was not worthy,") have been immured in prisons, and tortured to death. In general they are a poor and afflicted people, and Satan distresses, as much as he can, those whom he is not able to deceive, defile, or destroy: their endeavors to do good are often unsuccessful, and ingratitude proves their only recompense. They therefore have need of faith and patience, of hope and love: but, observing the directions and pleading the promises of God, they find inward comfort to counterbalance their outward trials. He will maintain their lot, and supply their wants: whatever they lose for conscience' sake, "verily they shall be fed:" and food and raiment here, with heaven at last, is a goodly portion.The Lord will also vindicate their characters, and give them peace of conscience: when he sees good, their enemies shall be at peace with them; and they shall enjoy more content, than if they actually inherited the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace: for their little shall be better, than the riches of many || 6: 32:) and comfortably through this dangerous and miserable life; meet death with composure; and have "an entrance ministered to us abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ." NOTES. PSALM XXXVIII. Title. Either the Psalmist, under his affliction, composed this psalm to assist him in recollecting his sins, or in calling upon God to remember his distress; or he desired to remember as long as he lived, and wished to remind others, how he had suffered for his sins, and what his sentiments and sensations had been whilst enduring correction.-It is the third of those which are called penitential psalms; and describes among the Psalmist's other trials some grievous diseases, with which he was visited for his sins; or, as some think, his inward trials were represented by language, taken from enfeebling and loathsome sickness. It is probable, that the calamities which befel David, after his sin in respect of Bathsheba and Uriah, gave occasion to the doleful complaints contained in it. (Notes, |