1 To the chiefe Musician, A Psalme of Dauid. I waited patiently for the Lord, and he inclined vnto me, and heard my crie.
2 He brought me vp also out of an horrible pit, out of the mirie clay, and set my feete vpon a rock, and established my goings.
3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, euen praise vnto our God: many shall see it, and feare, and shall trust in the Lord.
4 Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his truste: and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turne aside to lies.
5 Many, O Lord my God; are thy wonderfull workes which thou hast done, and thy thoughts, which are to vs ward: they cannot be reckoned vp in order vnto thee: if I would declare and speake of them, they are moe then can be numbred.
6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire, mine eares hast thou opened: burnt offering and sinne-offering hast thou not required.
7 Then sayd I, Loe, I come: in the volume of the booke it is written of me:
8 I delight to doe thy will, O my God: yea thy lawe is within my heart.
9 I haue preached righteousnesse in the great congregation: loe, I haue not refrained my lippes, O Lord, thou knowest.
10 I haue not hid thy righteousnesse within my heart, I haue declared thy faithfulnesse and thy saluation: I haue not concealed thy louing kindnesse, and thy truth, from the great congregation.
11 With-hold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord: let thy louing kindnesse, and thy trueth continually preserue me.
12 For innumerable euils haue compassed me about, mine iniquities haue taken hold vpon me, so that I am not able to looke vp: they are moe then the haires of mine head, therefore my heart faileth me.
13 Be pleased, O Lord, to deliuer me: O Lord, make haste to helpe me.
14 Let them be ashamed and confounded together, that seeke after my soule to destroy it: let them be driuen backward, and put to shame, that wish me euill.
15 Let them be desolate, for a reward on their shame, that say vnto me, Aha, aha!
16 Let all those that seeke thee, reioyce and bee glad in thee: let such as loue thy saluation, say continually, The Lord be magnified.
17 But I am poore and needy, yet the Lord thinketh vpon me: thou art my helpe and my deliuerer, make no tarrying, O my God.
Confidence for deliverance. (1-5) Christ's work of redemption. (6-10) Prayer for mercy and grace. (11-17)
1-5 Doubts and fears about the eternal state, are a horrible pit and miry clay, and have been so to many a dear child of God. There is power enough in God to help the weakest, and grace enough to help the unworthiest of all that trust in him. The psalmist waited patiently; he continued believing, hoping, and praying. This is applicable to Christ. His agony, in the garden and on the cross, was a horrible pit and miry clay. But those that wait patiently for God do not wait in vain. Those that have been under religious melancholy, and by the grace of God have been relieved, may apply ver. #2| very feelingly to themselves; they are brought up out of a horrible pit. Christ is the Rock on which a poor soul can alone stand fast. Where God has given stedfast hope, he expects there should be a steady, regular walk and conduct. God filled the psalmist with joy, as well as peace in believing. Multitudes, by faith beholding the sufferings and glory of Christ, have learned to fear the justice and trust in the mercy of God through Him. Many are the benefits with which we are daily loaded, both by the providence and by the grace of God.
6-10 The psalmist foretells that work of wonder, redemption by our Lord Jesus Christ. The Substance must come, which is Christ, who must bring that glory to God, and that grace to man, which it was impossible the sacrifices should ever do. Observe the setting apart of our Lord Jesus to the work and office of Mediator. In the volume, or roll, of the book it was written of him. In the close rolls of the Divine decrees and counsel, the covenant of redemption was recorded. Also, in all the volumes of the Old Testament something was written of him, #Joh 19:28|. Now the purchase of our salvation is made, the proclamation is sent forth, calling us to come and accept it. It was preached freely and openly. Whoever undertook to preach the gospel of Christ, would be under great temptation to conceal it; but Christ, and those he calls to that work, are carried on in it. May we believe his testimony, trust his promise, and submit to his authority.
11-17 The best saints see themselves undone, unless continually preserved by the grace of God. But see the frightful view the psalmist had of sin. This made the discovery of a Redeemer so welcome. In all his reflections upon each step of his life, he discovered something amiss. The sight and sense of our sins in their own colours, must distract us, if we have not at the same time some sight of a Saviour. If Christ has triumphed over our spiritual enemies, then we, through him, shall be more than conquerors. This may encourage all that seek God and love his salvation, to rejoice in him, and to praise him. No griefs nor poverty can render those miserable who fear the Lord. Their God, and all that he has or does, is the ground of their joy. The prayer of faith can unlock his fulness, which is adapted to all their wants. The promises are sure, the moment of fulfilment hastens forward. He who once came in great humility, shall come again in glorious majesty.
Commentary by Matthew Henry, 1710.