Matthew Poole and continuators on Psalms 40:12

12. For innumerable evils have compassed me about, mine iniquities have taken hold upon me . so that I am not able to look up : they are more than the hair of mine head, therefore my heart faileth me.

Either, The punishment of mine iniquities, as Gen. 4. 13. 1. Sam. 28. 10. Psal. 31. 10. Or, 2. The iniquities themselves; This Phrase cannot be understood of Christ. For although our sins are said to be laid upon Christ, Isa. 5[illegible: 1+ letters]. and upon that Account he is said to be made sin for us, 2 Cor. 5. 21. yet the Scripture every where represents him, as one that never knew nor did any sin, a[illegible: 1+ letters] in that place, and 1 [illegible: 1 word]. 2. 22. and elsewhere; and even when his Punishment is described, yet it is expresly noted, that he did not suffer for himself, or for his own sins, but onely for us, and for our sins, as Isa. 53. 4, 5. Dan. 9. 26. 1 Pet. 2. 24. And therefore it is not probable that the Holy-Ghost would use such an Expression concerning the unless Christ of God, as is never used in Scripture, but either of a Mans own sins, or of the Punishment deserved by his own sins.

Mens sins are figuratively said to follow them, 1 Tim. 5. 24. and to find them out, Numb. 32. 23. and here to take hold of them, as a Serjeant takes hold of a Man whom he Arrests.

Unto God or men, with any Comfort and Confidence, I am ashamed and confounded, by Reason of my numberless sins. Or, so that I was not able to see, Either, because he was as it were drowned or overwhelmed with his sins: Or, because his Eyes did fail, or were Consumed through Grie[illegible: 1+ letters], as he Complains, Psal. 6. 7. and 38. 11. Or, he means that he could not foresee them, the Simple Verb being put for the Compound, as it is frequently among the Hebrews. They came upon him unawares, and therefore were the more grievous to him.

To wit, mine iniquities here mentioned Properly so called: For God's people are more apt to aggravate their sins, than the Punishments of them, See Ezra 9. 13, 14.

Marginal references: Psal. 38. 4. 10.; Heb. forsaketh.