OXFORD: PRINTED BY D. A. TALBOYS, R. GRIFFIN AND CO. GLASGOW; TEGG AND CO. DUBLIN; MDCCCXL. 10131. e. 12 JOHN CALVIN'S COMMENTARY ON THE PSALMS. PSALM CI. Although David were not yet settled in the kingdom, still, as he was already created king by God's appointment, he frames and addresses himself to the best manner of governing. And he not only stirs up himself to perform his kingly office by this godly musing, but also, making a vow to God, promises to become his faithful minister, that he may obtain speedy possession. [A Psalm of David.] 1 I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O Lord, will I sing. 2 I will deal wisely in a perfect way, till thou come unto me: I will walk in the soundness of my heart in the midst of my house. 3 I will set no wrongful thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that step aside, it shall not cleave unto me. 4 A froward heart shall depart from me; I will not know evil. 5 Whosoever backbiteth his neighbour privily, him will I destroy: whosoever is haughty of countenance, and wide of heart, him cannot I abide. 1 I will sing, &c.] That he makes mention of singing, the readers must understand it thus; that he utters in this Psalm what he had mused upon with himself, that is, what manner of king he intended to be as soon as he should have obtained the promised kingdom. Therefore, to sing of mercy and judgment, imports as much as to testify in solemn form of words, that he would be a just and upright king. Austin takes it in a sense too refined, that God is to be praised, whether he punish men sharply, or whether he VOL. III. B |