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Bible Commentaries
Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible Coke's Commentary
The Blessed Man Meditates on God's Law.Chapter 2
God's Anointed King Reigns Over Nations.Chapter 3
David's Morning Prayer During Absalom's Rebellion.Chapter 4
Evening Prayer for Deliverance and Peace.Chapter 5
Morning Prayer for Guidance and Protection.Chapter 6
Prayer for Mercy During Illness and Distress.Chapter 7
Prayer for Deliverance From Persecution and False Accusations.Chapter 8
God's Majesty in Creation and Human Dignity.Chapter 9
Praise for God's Justice and Deliverance of the Oppressed.Chapter 10
Prayer for God to Act Against the Wicked.Chapter 11
Trust in God's Righteous Judgment.Chapter 12
Prayer for Deliverance From Lies and Oppression.Chapter 13
Cry for Help and Trust in God's Salvation.Chapter 14
The Folly of Denying God; God's Concern for the Righteous.Chapter 15
The Character of Those Who Dwell With God.Chapter 16
A Song of Trust in God's Protection and Guidance.Chapter 17
Prayer for Protection From Enemies and Vindication.Chapter 18
David's Song of Thanksgiving for Deliverance.Chapter 19
God's Glory in Creation and His Perfect Law.Chapter 20
Prayer for the King's Victory in Battle.Chapter 21
Thanksgiving for the King's Victories Granted by God.Chapter 22
A Cry of Anguish and a Song of Praise.Chapter 23
The Lord Is My Shepherd; A Psalm of Trust.Chapter 24
The King of Glory and His Righteous People.Chapter 25
Prayer for Guidance, Forgiveness, and Deliverance.Chapter 26
Declaration of Integrity and Trust in God.Chapter 27
Confidence in God Amid Adversity.Chapter 28
Prayer for Help and Thanksgiving for Deliverance.Chapter 29
The Voice of God in the Storm; A Psalm of Glory.Chapter 30
Thanksgiving for Healing and Deliverance From Death.Chapter 31
Prayer for Deliverance and Confidence in God.Chapter 32
The Joy of Forgiveness and Protection From Trouble.Chapter 33
Praise for God's Creative Power and Sovereign Rule.Chapter 34
Praise and Exhortation to Trust in God's Deliverance.Chapter 35
Prayer for Vindication and Protection From Enemies.Chapter 36
The Wickedness of Man and the Lovingkindness of God.Chapter 37
Exhortation to Trust in God and Do Good.Chapter 38
Prayer of Repentance for Sin and Plea for Healing.Chapter 39
Reflection on the Brevity of Life and Trust in God.Chapter 40
Thanksgiving for Deliverance and Prayer for Continued Help.Chapter 41
Blessing on the Righteous and Prayer for Mercy in Sickness.Chapter 42
Longing for God Amid Distress and Separation.Chapter 43
Prayer for Deliverance and Hope in God.Chapter 44
Communal Lament Over Defeat and Plea for God's Help.Chapter 45
A Royal Wedding Song Celebrating the King.Chapter 46
God Is Our Refuge and Strength, Even Amid Trouble.Chapter 47
Praise to God, the King of All the Earth.Chapter 48
Praise for the Beauty and Strength of Jerusalem.Chapter 49
Wisdom Psalm: The Folly of Trusting in Wealth.Chapter 50
God's Judgment on His People's Faithfulness.Chapter 51
David's Prayer of Repentance After His Sin With Bathsheba.Chapter 52
A Rebuke of the Wicked and Trust in God's Steadfast Love.Chapter 53
The Fool Says There Is No God; God's Judgment on the Wicked.Chapter 54
Prayer for Deliverance From Enemies.Chapter 55
Prayer for God's Help Amid Betrayal and Fear.Chapter 56
Trust in God Despite Persecution and Suffering.Chapter 57
Prayer for Mercy and Confidence in God's Protection.Chapter 58
Judgment on the Wicked and Confidence in God's Justice.Chapter 59
Prayer for Deliverance From Enemies Who Lie in Wait.Chapter 60
Lament Over Defeat in Battle and Prayer for Victory.Chapter 61
Prayer for God's Protection and Guidance.Chapter 62
Trust in God Alone for Salvation and Security.Chapter 63
A Psalm of Thirsting for God in the Wilderness.Chapter 64
Prayer for Protection From Secret Plots of Enemies.Chapter 65
Praise for God's Providence in Nature and Redemption.Chapter 66
Praise for God's Mighty Works and Deliverance.Chapter 67
Prayer for God's Blessing and Rule Over All Nations.Chapter 68
Praise for God's Power and Victories.Chapter 69
A Cry for Deliverance and Reproach From Enemies.Chapter 70
Prayer for Help and Speedy Deliverance.Chapter 71
Prayer for God's Help Throughout Life's Trials.Chapter 72
A Royal Psalm for the King's Justice and Righteousness.Chapter 73
The Prosperity of the Wicked and God's Ultimate Justice.Chapter 74
Lament Over the Destruction of the Temple and Plea for Help.Chapter 75
Thanksgiving for God's Justice and Judgment.Chapter 76
Praise for God's Power and Defense of Jerusalem.Chapter 77
A Lament and Meditation on God's Faithfulness.Chapter 78
A Recital of Israel's History and God's Faithfulness.Chapter 79
Lament Over the Destruction of Jerusalem.Chapter 80
Prayer for Restoration of God's People.Chapter 81
A Call to Listen to God and Avoid Idolatry.Chapter 82
God's Judgment of Unjust Rulers.Chapter 83
Prayer for God to Judge Israel's Enemies.Chapter 84
Longing for God's Presence in the Temple.Chapter 85
Prayer for Revival and Restoration.Chapter 86
David's Prayer for Mercy and Help.Chapter 87
Praise for Jerusalem, the City of God.Chapter 88
A Desperate Cry for God's Help Amid Suffering.Chapter 89
God's Covenant With David and Lament Over Its Apparent Failure.Chapter 90
Moses' Prayer for God's Mercy and Eternal Wisdom.Chapter 91
Confidence in God's Protection and Care.Chapter 92
A Song of Praise for God's Goodness and Righteousness.Chapter 93
God Reigns in Majesty and Power.Chapter 94
Prayer for God's Justice and Vengeance on the Wicked.Chapter 95
A Call to Worship and Obedience to God.Chapter 96
A New Song of Praise for God's Glory Among the Nations.Chapter 97
The Lord's Reign and Righteous Judgment Over the Earth.Chapter 98
A Song of Joy for God's Salvation and Justice.Chapter 99
God's Reign in Holiness and Justice.Chapter 100
A Psalm of Thanksgiving and Praise.Chapter 101
David's Commitment to Live Righteously as King.Chapter 102
A Lament for God's Mercy and Restoration of Zion.Chapter 103
Praise for God's Compassion and Forgiveness.Chapter 104
Praise for God's Creation and Sustaining Power.Chapter 105
Recital of God's Faithfulness to Israel.Chapter 106
Confession of Israel's Sins and God's Mercy.Chapter 107
Thanksgiving for God's Deliverance From Distress.Chapter 108
A Psalm of Confidence in God's Help and Victory.Chapter 109
Prayer for Vindication and Judgment on Enemies.Chapter 110
The Lord's Promised Victory and Eternal Priesthood.Chapter 111
Praise for God's Righteous Deeds and Faithfulness.Chapter 112
Blessings of the Righteous Who Fear the Lord.Chapter 113
Praise for God's Exaltation of the Lowly.Chapter 114
God's Power Displayed in the Exodus.Chapter 115
Glory to God Alone for His Help and Protection.Chapter 116
Thanksgiving for Deliverance From Death.Chapter 117
Praise the Lord, All Nations!Chapter 118
Thanksgiving for God's Steadfast Love and Deliverance.Chapter 119
A Meditation on God's Law and Its Blessings.Chapter 120
Prayer for Deliverance From Lies and Deceit.Chapter 121
Trust in God's Help and Protection.Chapter 122
Joy in Going to the House of the Lord.Chapter 123
Prayer for Mercy Amid Scorn and Contempt.Chapter 124
Thanksgiving for God's Help Against Enemies.Chapter 125
Trust in God's Protection and Peace for the Righteous.Chapter 126
Joyful Remembrance of God's Restoration.Chapter 127
Dependence on God for Life's Blessings.Chapter 128
Blessings of the God-Fearing Family.Chapter 129
Confidence in God's Justice Amid Persecution.Chapter 130
A Cry for God's Mercy and Redemption.Chapter 131
Humility and Trust in God's Care.Chapter 132
A Prayer for God to Remember David's Devotion.Chapter 133
The Blessing of Unity Among God's People.Chapter 134
A Call to Praise God in His Sanctuary.Chapter 135
Praise for God's Sovereignty and Deliverance.Chapter 136
A Recital of God's Steadfast Love and Deeds.Chapter 137
A Lament for Jerusalem's Destruction in Exile.Chapter 138
Thanksgiving for God's Faithfulness and Protection.Chapter 139
Praise for God's Omniscience and Omnipresence.Chapter 140
Prayer for Protection From Evil Men.Chapter 141
Prayer for God's Help and Guarding of Righteous Speech.Chapter 142
A Cry for Help When Trapped in a Cave.Chapter 143
Prayer for Deliverance and Guidance in Adversity.Chapter 144
Prayer for Deliverance and Blessing on the Nation.Chapter 145
Praise for God's Greatness, Mercy, and Kingdom.Chapter 146
Trust in God, not Princes; His Care for the Needy.Chapter 147
Praise for God's Restoration of Jerusalem and Care for Creation.Chapter 148
Call for All Creation to Praise the Lord.Chapter 149
Praise the Lord with Song and Dance, Celebrating His People.Chapter 150
Final Call to Praise God with All Instruments and Voices.
- Psalms
by Thomas Coke
THE Book of PSALMS.
THE Book of Psalms is in the original intitled תהלים ספר seper tehillim; the Book of Hymns, or Praises: because, though it likewise contains prayers, complaints, histories, and descriptions, yet the principal part is taken up with the praises of God. The Greek, call them Psalms, which word signifies properly compositions set or sung to music. The far greatest part of the Psalms were composed by David, and the rest by several other inspired authors; which were added to those of David, when, according to the Jewish tradition, they were all collected together in one volume by Ezra, after the return of the Jews from the Babylonish captivity, and placed among the canonical books. The Psalms are all written in a poetical style, though, perhaps, it is impossible to tell of what particular kind the poetry of the Hebrews was. The Psalms, however, abound with sublime and figurative expressions, sufficient to denominate them truly poetical. As the style of them is noble, so it is proper to raise the noblest thoughts in the minds of men; on which account this book has been always held in the greatest veneration; insomuch that in the earlier ages, the bishops, presbyters, and all the religious, were expected to have it by heart. Melancthon says of it, that it is the most elegant work extant in the world; and St. Basil tells us, that in it may be found a complete body of divinity. Hence the number of commentaries upon it are almost endless; above six hundred are enumerated, exclusive of those which have been written on the whole body of the Scriptures, and on particular Psalms; and no wonder, when we consider that there is such an useful variety in this book, as may, by an easy accommodation, be made to serve every one of our occasions. The Psalms are fitted to all persons and ages, to all manner of employments, and to all conditions and circumstances of life; but they have still one further excellence, that they contain a variety of striking prophesies concerning Christ and his church. Several learned writers have supposed the whole book to be applicable to Christ and the church; which, if we cannot admit in a primary sense, may certainly be allowed in a great measure in a secondary one: for, though the Psalms speak of David and his transitions, literally understood, yet, as David was a type of Christ, they undoubtedly in the spirit refer to him. The learned Bishop Chandler seems to have set this matter in a clear light: from the last words of David, 2 Samuel 23:1 he infers, that David was a prophet, and delivered his psalms by the Spirit of God; and that in these psalms he spoke concerning the Messiah under his own person. When, therefore, he sings of his sufferings, his enemies, his success, his exaltation, and the like, he means those things not so much of himself as of the Messiah. He takes occasion from events which had befallen himself to foretell some such future things to the Messiah; for, though most of his psalms describe his past actions, yet, at the same time they are mingled with predictions of things to befall him hereafter, which, as to David, were over already, and therefore must be intended for some other, and this other has been ever reputed to be the Messiah. Had not this been the case, the Jewish church would never have made David's Psalms part of their daily worship; nor would David have delivered them to the church to be so employed, had it not been to instruct and support them in the knowledge and belief of the fundamental article, the future completion of the covenant by the Messiah. Were the Messiah not concerned in the Psalms, it were absurd to celebrate twice a-day, in their public devotions, the events of one man's life, who was deceased so long ago as to have no relation now to the Jews and the circumstances of their affairs, or to transcribe whole passages from them into their prayers for the coming of the Messiah. See Bishop Chandler's Defence, vol. 1: p. 195. The limits that we have prescribed to ourselves in these Introductions, render it impossible to give such a satisfactory account of this book as its importance deserves. We shall take occasion, however, in the course of our observations, to speak of such particulars as cannot with propriety be mentioned here; especially the titles, musical instruments, &c. &c. referring our readers, in the mean time, to Calmet's and Bossuet's excellent prefaces, Dr. Hammond, Mr. Allix, and others who have written upon the subject; only observing, that the Hebrew, commonly divide the Psalter into five books; the first of which ends at the 46th, the second at the 79th, the third at the 82nd, the fourth at the 101st, and the fifth at the 150th Psalm. The first four books conclude with the words amen, amen, in the Hebrew; and the fifth with hallelujah. The number of the canonical Psalms are a hundred and fifty; besides which the Syriac, most copies of the LXX, and the Anglo-Saxon version, furnish us with another; the title whereof is, "A Psalm of thanksgiving of David, when he had overcome
Goliah." The version before us is posterior to that in the liturgy, and far more closely translated from the Hebrew; that being principally taken from the LXX. Calmet has prefixed to his Commentary a table of the Psalms, according to the order of time in which he supposes them to have been written.
We shall conclude our observations on the Book of Psalms with some general remarks on the use of the psalms in every condition of life; for which we are principally indebted to the excellent Dissertation prefixed by the learned Bishop Bossuet to his Exposition of this book. St. Athana-sius has observed, that the Psalms are accommodated to all our spiritual wants, principally on three accounts. In the first place, as the other books of scripture treat of one particular subject, the psalms comprehend every thing; history, customs, the law; Christ, his acts, and mysteries, and all parts of the Old and New Testament. Secondly, we may behold in the Psalms a picture of human life, with examples of every turn of good and evil; for David is proposed as a lesson to all: a mean shepherd; a king chosen by God; a conqueror in single combat; a commander in battle; the king's son-in-law, and the ornament of the court: afterwards an exile from his incensed monarch; destitute, and without settlement, either among his countrymen, or strangers. Further, the same David, in possession of the throne, established in a kingdom enlarged by his numerous victories, becomes once more a despised fugitive from the persecution of a favourite son: in every respect an instance of the instability of human things; and, as himself expresses it, a monster unto many. He experienced almost every change of life; the faithless friendship and the bitter enmities of kings; the changeable humour of the populace; the insincerity of friends, and the enmity even of his son: surrounded with danger both abroad and at home, but bearing all with submission to Divine providence, and therefore without despondence and dismay. But why do we mention mere human things! even things divine are liable to vicissitudes, through the inconstancy not of God but of man. Behold, for example, the holy David, falling from integrity and rectitude to guilt, and then repenting of his transgressions; teaching us what regard God always shews to the pure and uncorrupted mind; how dreadful in his anger, but how compassionate and merciful to the returning sinner. By making these things the subjects of our meditation, and accommodating the circumstances of David to our own case, we shall make one proper use of this divine book, and thus advance in true piety. We observe, as a third particular, that all the affections of the mind are to be seen in David; such, I mean, as are suited to every condition: for neither David, nor any other man of true piety, ever affected the absurd and fictitious apathy of the stoics. Hope and fear, joy and grief, are displayed in the liveliest colours throughout this admirable book. But to what end? Doubtless, that through Almighty grace the passions may be purified, and rendered subservient to God: that hope may be drawn from human things, and taught to rely upon him: that fear and grief, under the operations of the Divine Spirit, may, when we are in trouble, subdue our pride, and recal to our memory God the avenger: that joy may be restored to its genuine use, which is, to triumph in the God of our salvation. Such is the excellency of the Psalms, that whereas other books of scripture teach us to love God, to pray to him, to implore his mercy, to bewail our sins, and to repent of them; they furnish us with forms of prayer, of confession and rejoicings; and in every state of received, lost, or recovered grace, teach us such things as are pleasing to God. For instance; hath any one received a blessing? in the Psalms he has a thanksgiving. Hath he any thing to be requested? in the Psalms he has a petition. Hath he any evil to be removed? in the Psalms he has a deprecation. Would he delight his soul in meditations? in the Psalms the scenes of creation and providence are opened in beautiful representations. Would he humble his soul in humiliations? in the Psalms he finds many that are penitential. See Bisse's Beauty of Holiness, p. 45. Instructed in these points, Christian reader, proceed to understand and to sing the Psalms; proceed to sing unto the Lord: and, that you may do this with propriety, be influenced by the inmost sentiments of the Psalmist; weigh well his words, and adapt yourself to them. We must not omit to observe, that the Psalms seem most agreeable, and brightened with the divinest light, when we understand that the head and the members, Christ and his church, are either openly displayed, or covertly pointed out in them; nor need we on this account deviate from the historical, or literal, and immediate sense: nay, the hidden meaning will be so much the more clear and settled, the more certainly we determine on the type; that is, the history and the letter. Let us therefore awaken all our attention; and when we read of David and Solomon, together with the enemies of David, Saul, Ahithophel, and others; when we read of war or peace, captivity, liberty, and other events of that nature; then let us elevate our thoughts to Christ, our great and triumphant sufferer; to his church, exercised among labours and perils, wandering in adversity and prosperity; to the persecutors of the saints, not only viable but invisible; to the continual warfare of this life, and to that eternal kingdom of rest and peace which will succeed it; and whither the forerunner is for us entered, even JESUS, made an high-priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek.