The saints sacrifice

The Prophet in penning this Psalm was even ravished with an holy admiration of the great deliverance which he had, and that beyond his expectation. Hereupon, as men in such cases use to do, he falleth into digressions concerning the greatness of his distress, the weakness of his flesh, yea and of his recovery of himself after that weakness: which is here noted in the first place, thus, J believed, &c.

The Prophet in penning this Psalme was even ravished with an holy admiration of the great deliverance which he had, and that beyond his expectation. Hereupon, as men in such cases use to doe, he falleth into digressions concerning the greatnes of his distresse, the weaknes of his flesh, yea and of his recovery of himselfe after that weaknesse: which is here noted in the first place, thus, J beleeved, &c.

^aSome take this of the Prophets too much credulity in the case betwixt ^bZiba and Mephibosheth. Or of his too much credulity to Absalom, Ahithophel, and other flattering courtiers which were the cause of his flying from Absalom. But that sense can be nothing to the Prophets purpose in this place. Besides the word thus set alone, I believed, will not well bear that sense. ^cAs the first word of this Psalm thus set, I love, so this, I believed, hath an especial emphasis. It showeth that the greatness of his affliction could not quell his faith. Saint Paul expressly showeth ^dthat the Prophet here means by this phrase, I believed, a steadfast confidence in God: such a confidence as by the spirit of God is wrought in Saints hearts. Therefore some for more perspicuity insert this word, God, thus, I believed God. This faith so quickened his spirit, and wrought such an holy zeal in his soul, as he could not contain himself, ⟨p. 134⟩