Matthew Poole and continuators on Psalms 3

1. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me? many are they that rise up against me .

He [illegible: 1 word] well say so: for almost all his people joyned in that Con[illegible: 1+ letters]racy.

2. M[illegible: 1+ letters]y there be which say of my soul , There [illegible: 1 word] no help for him in God . S[illegible: 1+ letters]lah .

(i. e.) Of me: the soul being commonly put for the person, as [illegible: 1 word]. 46. 2. [illegible: 1 word] 6. 8. compare with Gen. 22. [illegible: 1+ letters]6.

[illegible: 1+ letters]od [illegible: 1+ letters]th utterly forsaken him for his many crimes, and [illegible: 1+ letters]ill never [illegible: 1+ letters]lp him more.

This word is no where used but in [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1+ letters]ook of the [illegible: 1 word], and in the Song of [illegible: 1 word] [illegible: 1 word]. p. 3. 3▪ [illegible: 1+ letters] ▪ 13. Which makes that opinion probable that it was a musical [illegible: 1 word], directing the singer either to lift up his Voice, or to make a short stop or pause, or to lengthen out the tune. But [illegible: 1 word], it is generally placed at some remarkable passage: which gives occasion to think that it served also to quicken the attention or observation of the singer and hearer.

3. But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me : my glory , and the lifter up of my head .

Or▪ about me, on every side, where also mine enemies are.

Either, 1. The author of my princely Glory and Majesty. Thou didst first give it, and I doubt not, thou wiltst defend and restore it. Or, 2. The matter of my glorying, thou hast formerly and frequently given, and wil[illegible: 1+ letters]st further give me occasion of glorying or ho[illegible: 1+ letters]sting of thy power and favour to me.

Thou dost and wiltst enable me to look up to thee with comfort and chearfulness, and upon mine Enemies with confidence, and thou wiltst lift me out of the mire in which I now lye, and restore me to my former power and dignity from which I am fallen. For the Phrase see Gen. 4. 7. Iob. 11. 15. Luke 18. 13.

Marginal references: Or, [illegible: 1 word].

4. I cried unto the LORD with my voice , and he heard me out of his holy hill . Selah.

The witness of my faith and fervency of affections.

Either out of Heaven, so called Psal. 15. 1. compare Isa. 66. 1. Or rather, 2. Out of the hill of Sion, where God was especially present, the Ark being there at this time: towards which the Saints then used to direct their Prayers, and from thence God heard and answered and blessed them, Psal. 128. 5. and 134. 3.

5. I laid me down and slept ; I awaked , for the LORD sustained me .

To wit, securely, casting all my cares and fears upon God, and relying upon his help.

In due time and manner, after a sweet and undisturbed sleep.

Or, supported me, as it were with his right hand, that I should not fall under my burthen. He upheld my spirit, and person, and cause.

Marginal references: Psal. 4. 8. Prov. 3. 24.

6. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people that have set themselves against me round about .

So that I see no humane way to escape.

Marginal references: Psal. 27. 3

7. Arise , O LORD, save me, O my God , for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek-bone : thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.

Bestir thyself on my behalf, and be no longer as an idle spectator of my Miseries.

Who art mine by special relation and covenant, and I am thy son and thy servant: Lord save thine own.

Thou hast hitherto helped me, do not now leave me.

Which implies either contempt and reproach, as this phrase signifies, 1. Kings. 22. 24. Mich. 5. 1. Iohn. 18. 22. and 19. 3. or the smartness and soreness of the blow, whereby, as the next clause explains it, their teeth were struck out, and so they did not only receive hurt themselves, but were disenabled from doing that mischief to others which they desired and were accustomed to do.

(i. e.) Their strength and the instruments of their cruelty. He compares them to wild Beasts.

Marginal references: Psal. 31. 7, 8.

8. Salvation belongeth unto the LORD : thy blessing is upon thy people . Selah.

I expect not salvation from my forces, but from thy power and favour alone.

Or rather, let it be. So he closeth with a prayer.

Either upon my friends and followers, who alone are thy people, the rest being Rebels to thee as well as to me. Or, upon all thy people Israel, to preserve my friends, to convince and convert mine enemies, and to save the body of the Nation, which without thy mercy are likely by this civil War to be brought to utter ruine.

Marginal references: Psal. 3. 8. J[illegible: 1+ letters]. 3. 23. Hos. 13. 4. J[illegible: 1+ letters]n. 2. 9.