Matthew Poole and continuators on Psalms 66:18

18 If I regard iniquity in my heart , the LORD will not hear me .

Heb. If I have or had seen, or looked upon, to wit, with approbation and affection, as Iob 31. 26. Hab. 1. 13. Men look upon what they like, and turn away their Face from what they loath or hate.

Any sin whatsoever, and especially Idolatry, which is oft expressed by this Word, to which the Israelites were very prone, and to which they had most powerful Temptations from the Examples, and Counsels, and Promises, and Threats of the Idolaters, in whose Land and Power they had been. And so this is a Purgation of themselves from that Crime, somewhat like that Psal. 44. 20, 21. and in general, from those gross and Reigning sins, whereof they had been guilty formerly.

If my Heart was false to God, and did cleave to Idols, or to any Wickedness, although I might for some prudential Reasons forbear the gross and outward Acts. Compare Psal. 44. 17, 18. If I had been guilty of that Hypocrisie, wherewith mine Enemies charged me, and had been a secret Favourer of Wickedness when I pretended great Piety. Or, If I did not Cry unto God with my Heart, but onely howled for Corn and Wine, &c. and whilst I cryed to God with my Tongue, my Heart was set upon sin, or I desired onely that which I resolved in mine Heart, to spend upon my Lusts.

Or, Would not have heard me; as divers learned Interpreters translate it, the Future being put Potentially, as is usual among the Hebrews. For God heareth not sinners, Ioh. 9. 31. nor Hypocrites, Iob 27. 8, 9. Prov. 15. 29.

Marginal references: Prov. 28. 9. [illegible: 1 word] 1. 15. [illegible: 1 word] 9. 31. [illegible: 1 word].. 4. 3.; [illegible: 1 word]. see.