Matthew Poole and continuators on Psalms 5:8

8. Lead me O LORD in thy righteousness , because of mine enemies ; make thy way straight before my face .

Direct my heart and counsels, and affairs, and all the course and actions of my Life.

In thy righteous Laws: which sometimes are called righteousness, as Psal. 119. 172. Mat. 3. 15. Or for or because of, or according to thy righteousness; which is a Phrase and Argument frequently used in this book of Psal[illegible: 1+ letters]s.

Either, 1. That I may give them no occasion of slandering me or Religion for my sake. Or rather 2. Because they are most malicious and mischievous, and withal cunning and treacherous, as he describes them in the next Verse (which he u[illegible: 1+ letters]eth as an Argument to enforce this Petition) and they lay Sn[illegible: 1+ letters]res for me, and if thou dost not assist me, will be too hard for me, and will triumph over me; which will reflect dishonour upon thee also.

(i e) The way wherein thou wouldest have me to walk, or the course which thou wouldest have me to take: son God's Precepts or Counsels are most commonly called his way.

Or, plain or smooth that I may clearly discern it, and readily walk in it without mistake or lett, or stumbling, or offence. This was a needful request, because many good men are oft at a loss what their Duty is in several Circumstances. And God granted this request to David, as in many other things, so in this, that he should not cut off Saul when he had opportunity and instigation to do it, 1. Sam. 24▪ and 26. but that he should wait till God took him away.

To my view and for my walk: For men walk forward, not backward.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 span].; [illegible: 1 word]. 25. 4. and [illegible: 1+ letters]6. 11.