Psalms

150 chapters

Chapter summaries

The Douay-Rheims’ own argument for each chapter. Tap a number above to read.

1. 1The Royal prophet David placed this Psalm as a Preface to the rest, containing 1. true happiness, which consisteth in flying sins, and serving God. 3. The good do prosper, 5. not the Wicked: 6. as will appear in the end of this world.
2. 2Christ's glory, the World repining thereat, 4. shall be propagated in all the world. 7. His divine power as well spiritual in converting men's hearts, as external, in severe justice, is prophesied.
3. 3King David recounteth his danger, when his son Absalom conspired against him: 4. and thanketh God for his deliverance. 9. acknowledging all help to be from God. Mystically, Christ's persecution, Death, Burial, and Resurrection.
4. 4The holy prophet teacheth, by his own example, to flee to God in all tribulation. 3. that other refuges are insufficient, 9. and God's help most assured.
5. 5Just men in affliction appeal to God, the revenger of injuries. 5. knowing and professing that God hateth iniquity. 9. therefore remit their cause to him. 11. recite certain enormous vices of the wicked. 13. and expect God's final judgement of the good and bad.
6. 6David's earnest and hearty prayer after he had grievously sinned. 5. which being grounded in filial, not servile fear, 9. concludeth with assured hope, and confidence in God's mercy.
7. 7David in confidence of his just cause, and unjust persecution, prayeth for God's help, 7. and just revenge of his enemies, 15. describing their malicious intention, and ruin.
8. 8God is magnified and praised for his marvellous work of creatures, 5. but especially of mankind, singularly exalted by the Incarnation of Christ.
9. 9The Church prayeth God for her protection, 4. in repelling the enemies' force, 8. in punishing the wicked, and rewarding the just.
10. 10David's friends advising him to flee from the persecution of Saul, he answereth, that his trust is in God's protection. 2. Though the persecutor be very malicious, 4. yet God will overthrow him, 5. and deliver the just.
11. 11The Prophet describeth the paucity of just men, and abundance of wicked, both at Christ's first coming in flesh, 6. and second in majesty, in the end of the world.
12. 12A general prayer of the Church, in tribulation, either temporal or spiritual.
13. 13After general gross ignorance and impiety in the World, 7. Christ shall be incarnate, the Redeemer of mankind.
14. 14For attaining eternal glory in heaven, it is necessary to flee from sins, and do good works.
15. 15Christ, by the mouth of David, declareth his future victory, and triumph over the world, 9. and death.
16. 16A just man's prayer in tribulation, 10. describing his enemies' cruelty, 13. by way of imprecation foresheweth their destruction, 15. and declareth that the just shall be satisfied in glory.
17. 17King David's thanks to God for his often deliverance from great dangers, first in general, 9. then more particularly describeth God's terrible manner of fighting for him, 18. against his cruel, and otherwise potent enemies. 22. attributing the same to God's good pleasure, and justice of his cause, 31. praiseth God, 33. his only protector. 41. as a depresser of his enemies.
18. 18God's perfect goodness and glory is shewed by his great works, and by his Apostles sent with heavenly commission, to preach in all tongues to all nations. 6. Christ coming into the world, and return unto heaven. 8. his immaculate Law: 13. Wherein notwithstanding the just shall have need to pray for remission of smaller and daily sins.
19. 19Faithful people join their prayer, for their Prince or Prelate, 4. with sacrifice offered for his preservation, and prosperous success.
20. 20Praise to God for Christ's exaltation after his passion: 9. And depression of his enemies.
21. 21Christ prayeth in his Passion, 7. describeth the acerbity thereof; 20. foresheweth by way of prayer his Resurrection: 23. more clearly the foundation and propagation of his Church ( 27. & 30. interposing the singular food of the most blessed Sacrament ) even to the ends of the earth in all nations.
22. 22A form of thanksgiving for all spiritual benefits ( described under the metaphor of temporal prosperity ) even from a sinner's first conversion, to final perseverance, and eternal beatitude.
23. 23Christ is Lord of the whole earth, being Creator, and Redeemer of man. 3. Good life ( with faith in him ) is the way to heaven. 7. whither Christ ascending with triumph Angels admire him.
24. 24A general prayer of the faithful against all enemies, 4. with desire to be directed in the way of godliness, 7. and to be pardoned for sins past. 9. acknowledging God's meekness, 17. our weakness, necessity of help, and hope in God: 22. concludeth with prayer for the whole Church.
25. 25David in banishment among the Philistines, trusteth in the justice of his cause, 9. and prayeth God earnestly to deliver him, that he may with more freedom and commodity serve him as he desireth.
26. 26David being in great distress through persecution, and having assured confidence in God, describeth the great security of God's protection. 7. sheweth the same experienced in himself. 12. prayeth for continuance thereof 13. and encourageth his own soul, in hope of life everlasting, to persevere in virtue.
27. 27David prayeth to be defended from the eternal destruction of the wicked, 4. which ( by way of imprecation, or conformity to God's justice ) he prophesieth 6. Feeling by inspiration that his prayer is heard, rendereth thanks to God, 9. and prayeth for all the people.
28. 28The royal prophet seeing in spirit the most sacred Mysteries, brought by Christ into this world, inviteth all to offer their best things, even themselves wholly, as sacrifice of thanks, for so excellent benefits, preached with magnificence. 5. Whereby innumerable are gathered into his Church here replenished with grace, and in heaven with glory.
29. 29King David by voice and instrument rendereth thanks to God for his peaceable state in the kingdom, 5. inviteth others to rejoice in God's benefits, teaching by his own example that God sometimes giveth more comfort sometimes sheweth his wrath, but all for our good.
30. 30A prayer of a just man exceedingly afflicted still confident in God, 11. describing his many calamities (in respect of his enemies) undeserved, 18. prayeth for his own deliverance, and their just punishment. 20. praiseth and thanketh God for his goodness. 24. exhorteth all others to do the same.
31. 31Forgiveness of sins is a happy thing: 3. whereto many are brought by affliction giving them understanding, so moving them to confess their sins, 6. pray for remission, 10. not despair, but hope in God's mercy, and so rejoice with sincere heart.
32. 32The prophet exhorteth to praise God, 4. describing his power, providence, mercy, and wisdom. 16. no salvation but by him. 20. and therefore prayeth for his help.
33. 33King David by his own example being delivered from danger, exhorteth all men to render thanks for God's benefits. 12. shewing wherein justice consisteth, 16. and God's special providence towards the just.
34. 34David, in figure of Christ, prophetically by way of invocating God's help, forsheweth his persecution, and the just revenge upon his persecutors, 9. with praise to God. 13. his charity towards his cruel adversaries. 17. whom nevertheless God punisheth, 20. for pretending peace in words, and in fact persecuting, 23. rendering to all as they deserve.
35. 35The prophet describeth the wicked malice of obstinate sinners 6. Against which he opposeth God's infinite goodness, 9. with his provident mercy towards the worst, and just reward of the good; 12. praying to escape the dangerous gulf of pride.
36. 36An exhortation not to envy nor imitate the evil, who for most part prosper in this world, and are damned eternally: but to flee evil and do good, duly considering that God diversely permitteth and punisheth the wicked, and likewise comforteth and afflicteth the just, all for their good.
37. 37King David, or any other penitent, earnestly prayeth God to remit his sins, and mitigate the pains which he acknowledgeth himself to have deserved, 12. lamenting the afflictions which he suffereth by such as sometimes were his friends, 14. whose temptations he now resisteth, trusting in God, resigning himself to God's will, confessing his own iniquity, and humbly praying for God's help.
38. 38A just man in remediless persecution resolveth to suffer all with peace and silence: 5. praying God to take him from this world, confessing the vanity thereof. 8. and relying on God's providence (11. who punisheth man for his sins) prayeth for release.
39. 39Christ's faithful members after long expectation congratulate his coming in flesh. 6. He directing his speech to his Father, professeth to perform the Redemption of mankind, and to denounce the same in the whole world: 12. prayeth for his servants, undertaking to satisfy for their sins.
40. 40The prophet pronounceth them happy that will believe in Christ, coming in humility and poverty. 5. Christ describeth his own poor afflicted state in this life, by reason he is to satisfy for the sins of the world; the malice of his adversaries, 10. especially of Judas, 11. and by way of prayer, prophesieth his own Resurrection.
41. 41The fervent desire of the just, 6. much afflicted in this life, 12. and assured hope of eternal joy.
42. 42The just invocateth God's sentence against the deceitful, that seek his spiritual overthrow, 4. acknowledgeth his help, from almighty God the B. Trinity, in whose vision glory consisteth.
43. 43The prophet describeth the first calling, and difficulty state of the Jewish nation, 6. their prosperity at other times, 10. Again their afflictions in captivity, and persecutions.
44. 44David singularly moved in heart and tongue, 3. prophesieth Christ's excellency, endowing his Church with most worthy dowries. 11. by way of exhortation foreshewing her internal and external beauty. 17. with perpetual succession of Pastors feeding the flock even to the world's end.
45. 45The Church in persecution acknowledgeth God's perpetual defence, 5. making her thereby more glorious, 10. sometimes granting rest ( 11. God himself checking the persecutors ) and ever protecting her.
46. 46Gentiles are called, and invited to praise God for his magnificence: 6. for Christ's Ascension, and power.
47. 47God most, and every where laudable, is especially praised in the Church of Christ ( prefigured by Sion, and there begun ) 9. All things being fulfilled in the Church, even as they were prophesied, and promised, 12. the faithful are exhorted to consider and congratulate the same.
48. 48The royal prophet inviting all states and sorts of men, to hear him attentively, 6. sheweth that all ought to fear eternal damnation, that live wickedly, 9. vainly and foolishly seeking (13. even like brute beasts) carnal pleasures, which they cannot long enjoy, nor long escape hell. 16. confidently animating himself, and all good men, that trust not in this world.
49. 49Christ in his first coming calleth all Nations. 3. in his second will judge the world. 7. In the mean time God exhorteth all men to serve him in purity of virtue, which he much preferreth before external sacrifice of the old law. 17. reprehending such as profess or teach the right way, and live wickedly.
50. 50King David in great sorrow for his sins of adultery and murder, most seriously prayeth God of his manifold mercies to remit and purge all his offences, and pains due for them. 12. to restore unto him the grace of the Holy Ghost, lost by his sins; 15. that he may teach others (as indeed his singular example may teach the whole world true penance) 19. contrition of heart, worthily to offer sacrifice, for the whole Church.
51. 51Holy David inveigheth against wicked Doeg a traitor. 7. prophesieth his ruin. 10. and his own exaltation.
52. 52As in the thirteenth Psalm, Christ's Incarnation is prophesied, after that sin abounded in the world: so here is foreshewed that after general wickedness, 5. Christ will come to judge the bad, 7. and deliver the good.
53. 53David in distress crieth to God for help, 6. confidently trusting therein, 8. and promising sacrifice of thanksgiving.
54. 54The prophet (as well in his own, as other just men's person) describeth great calamities suffered, 10. prayeth against the wicked, 13. Lamenting especially that those which profess friendship, are adversaries. 17. and declareth God's providence in protecting the good, and destroying the bad.
55. 55David being in danger before Achis king of Geth, confidently imploreth God's help, against the great malice and power of his enemies; 8. foresheweth their ruin, his own exaltation, 12. and offereth praises and thanks.
56. 56The Prophet prayeth in tribulation, 4. testifieth God's help, 6. praiseth his greatness: 8. promising, and inviting all nations to praise him.
57. 57Holy David inveigheth against dissembling wicked men. 7. describeth their manifold punishment, 11. wherein the just shall be comforted.
58. 58Holy David (being besieged in his own house by men sent to kill him) confidently prayeth God to deliver him, 6. and all faithful nations in like danger: 7. and praiseth God.
59. 59King David after his own and the people's many tribulations, 8. rendereth thanks for their renowned victories, 11. achieved by God's only power.
60. 60Faithful people of the whole earth pray, and acknowledge that God mercifully heareth their prayer. 6. expect the eternal kingdom of Christ, in which they shall praise him for evermore.
61. 61A just man encourageth his own soul to serve God in sincere humility, 9. exhorteth also all others to trust in God, not in false and worldly policy, or wealth, because God's power and mercy will render to every one as they deserve.
62. 62David in banishment with great affection desireth to unite himself with God in meditation, 4. purposing and promising ever to praise him: 10. prophesieth the vain endeavours, and condemnation of his enemies; and his own advancement.
63. 63A prayer of the just reposing their whole trust in God: 7. and rejoicing that the enemies' machinations are frustrate.
64. 64God is rightly praised in Sion and Jerusalem (in his Church only) for his benefits bestowed and promised. 8. Unto which also in the time of grace, all nations shall be called.
65. 65The prophet inviteth all men to praise God for his marvellous works, and benefits done to the Jews. 7. Who being ungrateful, 8. Gentiles are called, 16. and bring forth better fruit.
66. 66The prophet prayeth for ( and withal foreshoweth ) the propagation of the Church of Christ.
67. 67Notwithstanding great persecutions the Church prospereth. 10. Especially in the new testament, by Apostolical function, 18. ministry of Angels, Christ's Ascension, coming of the Holy Ghost, 31. confirming the faithful, repressing the insolent, and converting many. 35. For all which the prophet inviteth all men to praise God.
68. 68Christ in midst of afflictions (as one in dangerous waters) 5. describing the malice of persecutors, and his own true zeal, 14. prayeth his heavenly Father for help. 23. By way of just imprecation, foresheweth the severe punishment of his adversaries, 30. his own glorious Resurrection, and prosperous building of his Church. For which he inviteth all creatures to praise God.
69. 69Another prayer of David, when he was persecuted by Absolom: made in a Psalm after his deliverance.
70. 70King David, or any other just person, prayeth God to continue his grace, and protection against the malice of the enemy. 5. Recounteth God's mercy in delivering him from falling into temptations. 6. prayeth for the same in old age, or weakness of body and spirit, 20. and promiseth perpetual gratitude and praises.
71. 71By way of prayer the Psalmist prophesieth Christ's coming, our King and Judge: 4. the deliverer of mankind from the thraldom of the devil. 8. the greatness of his spiritual kingdom in the Gentiles. 16. and his continual glory and praise.
72. 72The royal prophet, first professing the unspeakable goodness of God, 2. in the person of the weak complaineth, that the wicked prosper, and the just are afflicted. 15. reprehendeth the murmuration, for though we cannot comprehend the secret judgements of God. 18. yet they are most just. 25. So with desire to rest in God, he promiseth ever to praise him.
73. 73Faithful people pressed with persecution lamentably complaining, beseecheth God to respect his own inheritance, cruelly afflicted; 10. and left long without help, 12. whereas heretofore he relieved his people in like distresses. 18. And therefore confidently hopeth he will revenge the blasphemers of his name.
74. 74Christ (with his Assessors) will judge the whole world, at the last day: in the meantime exhorteth sinners to amend their life; 7. for none shall escape just judgement. 11. The wicked shall be punished, and the good rewarded.
75. 75The royal prophet singeth God's praises, for his particular providence towards the Jews: 10. further to be extended to all the meek of the whole earth.
76. 76Any faithful devout person meditating God's benefits, 7. examineth his conscience, that nothing be in his soul, that may offend God. Who is always ready to forgive: 11. and therefore he still reneweth his purpose to serve God sincerely, 15. particularly remembering the delivery of Israel from Egypt.
77. 77The royal prophet exhorting the people to attend, 5. reciteth many great benefits of God towards their forefathers (whose ingratitude, often rebellion, and chastisement he still noteth) 9. 11 in their entrance into the land of Chanaan: 12. also before the same in Egypt, and in the desert. 42. How God plagued the Egyptians: 52. protected, and conducted his people into the promised land. 56. where likewise they often offended, were punished: 65. yet were still conserved: 69. and the tribe of Juda exalted in king David.
78. 78The Prophet, in person of the Church, lamenteth the cruelty of persecutors (both in the old and new testament) 5. prayeth for release, with just revenge against God's enemies, that blaspheme his name, 3. and promiseth to be grateful in divine praises.
79. 79The Prophet prayeth for the release of Israel in great tribulation. 15. foreshoweth the coming of Christ to redeem man from sin, and from thraldom of the devil.
80. 80All men are invited to celebrate festival days, 6. which were instituted in memory of benefits received. 9. the devout shall be protected, and the negligent left in distress.
81. 81The Prophet declareth, 2. that God reprehendeth unjust Judges and Magistrates: premonisheth them of his severe & eternal punishment: 8. Whereto the prophet conforming his will prayeth for the same.
82. 82The Church impugned by all sorts of enemies 10. prayeth God to confound them, as she hath done divers the like, 17. whereby some shall be converted.
83. 83Devout persons fervently desire eternal glory, 6. accounting it, in the mean time, a happy state to be in the militant Church, 12. where God first giving grace, will give glory in the triumphant.
84. 84With commemoration of God's former benefits, 5. Christ's Incarnation is prophesied, 9. bringing peace and salvation, 11. mercy and justice concurring together.
85. 85In consideration of his own imperfections, the royal prophet, or other faithful person prayeth God, 5. according to his mercy and goodness, 9. shewed in converting Gentiles, 13. and in delivering the supplicant himself from the state of damnation, 16. that he will still direct and defend him against all enemies.
86. 86The Church of Christ beginning in Jerusalem, 3. is extended to all Nations, 5. glorious, 6. and permanent, 7. in holy joy.
87. 87A faithful person sore and long afflicted, lamentably complaineth, praying God, 15. not still to repel him, being left desolate, 19. without all consolation of friends.
88. 88God's mercy and truth, with his great promises to David, 6. his power in the whole world, and just judgements, are the true joy of his servants. 20. Christ's kingdom shall remain for ever: 31. yea many offending yet all shall not perish, 39. but after great affliction, 47. God will respect man's infirmity, 50. his own promise, and the enemies reproaching his servants and himself: 53. who is blessed for ever.
89. 89Under the form of prayer, the Psalmist describeth the shortness of man's life and other calamities. 7. God's strict judgment. 13. but first his comfortable mercy: 16. and perpetual regard of his own work.
90. 90Whosoever faithfully and firmly trusteth in God's providence, is secure from all dangers of secret, subtle, and open enemies. 7. his adversaries shall come to ruin. 11. Angels shall defend him. 13. no kind of serpent, nor beast shall hurt him. 14. God himself assureth him of his protection, and of eternal salvation.
91. 91God is by all manner of voices and instruments to be praised in his admirable works. 7. which the foolish not doing are punished; 11. and the wise are rewarded.
92. 92Christ reigneth for ever in his Church: 3. notwithstanding many and great persecution against the faithful.
93. 93The faithful servant of God assuredly professeth, that all the pride, 5. cruelty, 7. foolish imaginations, and secret thoughts of the wicked are manifest to God, 12. acknowledgeth himself happy, that he is better instructed of God: whereas he had otherwise been damned. 20. sharply reprehendeth those that consider not of God's judgements: concluding that the just shall be glorified, and the wicked damned.
94. 94An invitation to serve and adore Christ our Lord and Messias, 3. as well for the benefits of creating all things, 7. as for his Incarnation, and not to harden our hearts as the Jews did.
95. 95All peoples & nations are invited to praise the blessed Trinity, 3. for Christ's Incarnation, and spiritual kingdom in all the world. 10. even senseless creatures acknowledging his majesty, 13. and judicial power.
96. 96All the earth is invited to rejoice in Christ's kingdom, 3. with description of the signs coming before the day of Judgement. 7. Idolaters shall be confounded. 8. Holy Angels and just men shall adore Christ, and rejoice.
97. 97All men are again invited joyfully to celebrate the marvellous conquest of Christ in all nations, 4. with heart, voice, and instruments. 8. all creatures acknowledging his coming to judge the world.
98. 98Christ reigneth, notwithstanding his enemies repine, is adored (5. also his footstool) 6. whom ancient Prophets did invocate.
99. 99All are invited to rejoice in God, Creator of all.
100. 100King David gratefully celebrateth the two general divine virtues, Mercy and Justice: 2. by his own example exhorteth all, especially Superiors, to direct their ways in sincerity, 4. and to separate the wicked from conversation of the good.
101. 101A sinner in affliction of mind prayeth God to deliver him, 10. desolate of all other help. 13. conceiveth comfort in God's eternal goodness, and singular mercy, in redeeming mankind, and propagating the Church. 24. Prayeth to be made mature in virtue before he die, that he may live with God: 26. who only and wholly being immutable, establisheth his servants for ever.
102. 102Thanks to God for private, 6. and public benefits. 17. His mercy, justice, and other properties are immutable. 20. Angels, and all other creatures are invited to praise him.
103. 103The Psalmist inviteth himself and others to praise God, for his marvellous works in the heavens, 5. the earth, and water, 9. limiting their bounds, producing all things necessary for all living creatures, in convenient seasons. 27. with continual providence of all.
104. 104The Israelites are exhorted to sing praises to God, 5. for his marvellous benefits towards Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 11. whose particular family, being then small, went from Chanaan into Egypt (17. Whither Joseph by God's providence was carried before) there increased in number, was persecuted, 26. delivered by Moyses and Aaron, working many great miracles, 36. protected, and fed in the desert, 44. and finally possessed Chanaan.
105. 105The prophet exhorteth the people to render thanks and praises to God, 6. for remitting their manifold sins, in the desert. 34. and in the conquered land: 38. foreshowing like sins to come, God's wrath and punishment for the same. 44. and that he will give grace of repentance: to some 47. for which he prayeth, and praiseth God.
106. 106Again the Psalmist inviteth all men to render thanks to God for their deliverance from dangers, or evils in general: 4. particularly from dangers in journey, 10. in prison, or captivity, 17. in sickness spiritual and corporal, 23. in navigation, 33. describing the changeable course of things in this world, 38. especially of men's states, 42. for all which the just will praise God.
107. 107The royal prophet promiseth, 5. and rendereth praises to God, 7. for his deliverance from troubles, and advancement in the kingdom, 13. praying God still to help man's infirmity.
108. 108Christ ( by the mouth of David ) requesteth of God to be justly declared innocent, and his enemies punished, 6. particularly describing Judas the traitor's malice, 21. and his own temporal afflictions, 26. prayeth, 30. and praiseth God for his deliverance.
109. 109Christ rising and ascending into heaven sitteth on the right hand of God: 2. beginning in Jerusalem reigneth in the Church of the whole earth. 4. useth the Priesthood of Melchisedech's order to the end of the world. 6. and shall judge the world.
110. 110Praise of God for benefits, 4. especially for the B. Sacrament of the Eucharist, 6. with other graces imparted to the Catholic Church.
111. 111True happiness consisteth in fearing God, keeping his commandments, 5. and in doing works of mercy. 10. The contrary bringeth to misery.
112. 112God is to be praised, who being high regardeth, and provideth for the needy in this world.
113. 113For the marvellous passage of Israel out of Egypt, 3. the red sea, the river of Jordan, 7. and the hills giving them place, 8. the rocks yielding them water, 9. God, not themselves, is to be praised. 12. Idols and idolaters are vain, and shall be confounded: 17. the faithful trust in God, 20. are blessed, and for ever praise God.
114. 114The prayer of a just man in tribulation, with confidence and gratitude towards God.
115. 115A just man acknowledging that spiritual life beginneth by faith, and by public profession thereof, 4. gratefully accepteth of Christ's Redemption, 5. dedicateth his life, and all he hath to God's service.
116. 116God's mercy is largely extended to all Gentiles by Christ, and his promise withal is performed to the Jews.
117. 117Faithful people collected in the Church of Christ, exhort each other to render thanks to God, for their deliverance from spiritual and temporal tribulations. 16. The Laity demand participation of Christ's Mysteries, promising to serve him duly: 25. Which the Pastors freely impart, and together with the people, solemnly celebrate God's praise.
118. 118A perpetual recommendation of the singular excellency, absolute necessity, and eternal heavenly profit of God's law : with frequent aspirations to perfection, hatred of sin, love of virtue, and fervent desire to rest in God.
119. 119The Jews in captivity of Babylon, Christians in persecution, or other great tribulation, pray with confidence to be delivered from danger, and slander of wicked tongues, 5. lamenting their long endurance.
120. 120The just rejoice that their prayer is heard, and that God continually protecteth them.
121. 121Under the figure of return to Jerusalem, vehemently desired by the Jews in captivity, the Psalmist describeth the desire, and hope of the just to possess heaven.
122. 122A fervent and attentive prayer, to be delivered from captivity, or any other affliction.
123. 123The whole Church, and every just person, gratefully confesseth, that by God's protection they are secure, without which none could escape ruin.
124. 124The Church, and holy members thereof, are always protected by God: 5. The wicked being suffered for a while, are at last punished.
125. 125Israelites released from captivity of Babylon, much more the blessed both of the old and new testament delivered by Christ from captivity of sin, do rejoice: 5. Who nevertheless must pass through tribulation to eternal felicity.
126. 126Neither house nor city can be built, or kept without God's special providence and help, 3. those that trust in him shall prosper in their endeavours.
127. 127Happiness both of this life and of the next, is obtained by fearing, and sincerely serving God.
128. 128The Church, often (3. and much) impugned, is not overcome. 4. Her persecutors are destroyed, 6. contemned, 8. and cursed.
129. 129The Jews, or other people in tribulation for sin, or temporal captivity, cry to God to be delivered: 4. trusting, and encouraging each other in God's accustomed mercy, assuredly hoping that he will redeem and deliver them.
130. 130Any just soul in humble confidence offereth his innocency, as a spiritual and grateful sacrifice to God, 3. exhorting all God's servants ever to hope in him.
131. 131The Psalmist earnestly prayeth God to give him leave, and to shew him where, to build a Temple. But more especially prayeth for, and prophesieth the coming of Christ, the promised Son of David, 14. signifying God's promise thereof, and of establishing his Church.
132. 132Fraternal concord is commended to all in the Church, as necessary and delightful in itself, and blessed of God.
133. 133All, and especially clergymen that serve the Church, are invited to praise God by day and by night, so shall they be blessed of God.
134. 134God who only is omnipotent, and fountain of all goodness, is of all to be praised, 3. He is the special protector of his elected people. 15. Contrariwise false gods are impotent, vain, and cannot help those that serve them. 19. Only the Church doth rightly praise him.
135. 135God being marvellous in himself, 4. hath shewed his power and goodness in his works, as well in general to all the world, 10. as in particular towards his elected people.
136. 136The Prophet describeth how lamentably the people in captivity of Babylon, will bewail the want of means to serve God, and of their native soil: 7. with just desire of their enemies' punishment.
137. 137The whole Church, or any just person, rendereth thanks to God for his benefits, 4. praying that all kings and kingdoms may do the same, 6. because God being high respecteth, and advanceth the humble.
138. 138God's knowledge, 7. and presence (10. without the help, or hindrance of any thing) extendeth to all things, times, and places. 17. he giveth exceeding great honour to his saints, 20. the wicked, as enemies to God are justly hated, 23. the just pray for God's perpetual direction.
139. 139The just, diversely afflicted by the wicked, pray to be defended, 7. repose their confidence in God, 10. who will adjudge the reprobate to eternal punishment, 13. and reward the good with the fruition of himself.
140. 140The Church prayeth that her children may avoid sinful words, 4. not make excuses of sins committed, not communicate with others in sin, nor to hearken to flatterers: 6. but to pray that they may amend (the Psalmist by the way prophesieth that many shall be converted) 8. though sometimes persecution be great, the Church faileth not.
141. 141Holy David being fled into a cave, and besieged round about by Saul's army, explicating his distress, 6. prayeth to be delivered:
142. 142King David (or any other) in spiritual or temporal tribulation, not trusting in his own justice, layeth open his calamity, 5. considering God's benignity, 6. prayeth to be speedily delivered; 11. and confidently assureth himself thereof.
143. 143The royal Prophet thanketh God, for all his victories, and possession of the kingdom. 3. Admiring God's benignity towards man, 5. prayeth to be still defended from all enemies, 9. promiseth a new song of praise, 11. describeth the vanity of worldly men, 15. concluding that true felicity is in serving God.
144. 144God is, and for ever ought to be praised, 3. for his immense, infinite, glorious Majesty, marvellous works, merciful benefits; for his power, wisdom, justice, 19. who will reward the good, and destroy the wicked.
145. 145The Psalmist exciteth himself, and all others to praise God for his singular regard, and providence of all that trust in him: 3. shewing that neither princes, nor other men are able to help, 5. but God can and doth continually relieve all sorts of necessities.
146. 146God is also to be praised by his peculiar people, for particular benefits. 4. and for his omnipotent power, wisdom, goodness, in creating, and governing this whole world, 11. and most special benignity towards those that trust in him.
147. 147Again God is to be praised for his goodness towards his peculiar people, 4. yea towards all the world: 7. but most abundantly towards his Church.
148. 148All creatures spiritual and corporal, are invited to praise God, their Creator and Conserver, 13. as incomparably excellent.
149. 149The Church is most singularly bound to praise God, 4. for the grace, sanctity, victory, glory, 7. and judicial power, which he giveth to his Saints.
150. 150God absolutely most excellent is to be praised, 3. with all sorts of instruments, and by all other means.