Ps. 36 THE ARGUMENT This Psalm seems to have been composed by David when he was persecuted by Saul and his courtiers; upon which occasion he enlargeth his thoughts further, and contemplates the sad state and condition of the world and of the church at that time, in which wickedness of all sorts…

When I consider the great and manifold transgressions of ungodly men, I conclude within myself that they have cast off all fear, and sense, and serious belief of the Divine Majesty.

For; so this is the proof of that assertion, Ps. 36:1. Or, although; and so it is an anticipation of an objection against it. He flattereth himself in his own eyes; he deceiveth himself with vain and false persuasions, either, 1.

Are iniquity and deceit, i.e. are wicked and deceitful. Once he had some shadows or degrees of wisdom, and sometimes did some things that were good in their kind; but new he hath not so much as the appearance of it, and is become an open apostate from that which once he professed.

He deviseth mischief upon his bed; which notes that he doth it, 1. Constantly and unweariedly, preferring it before his own rest. 2. Earnestly and seriously, when his mind is freed from all outward distractions, and wholly at leisure to attend that business about which it is employed: compare Ps.

Though this be the disposition and carriage of mine enemies towards me, and therefore I can expect no good from them, yet thou, O Lord, blessed be thy name, art of another temper; they are cruel and perfidious and unrighteous, but thou art infinite in mercy, and faithfulness, and righteousness, and…

Thy righteousness, in all thy counsels and ways in the government of the world, is like the great mountains; either, 1. Stedfast and unmovable. Or, 2. Eminent and conspicuous to all men. Or rather, 3.

Thy loving-kindness; or, thy mercy; for it is the same word which is used and so rendered, Ps. 36:5. The sense is, Though all thine attributes now reckoned, and the rest of them, be excellent and glorious, yet above all thy mercy is most excellent or precious and amiable, as being most necessary…

They, i. e. those children of men who trust in thee, as he now said, shall be abundantly satisfied; though now they are straitened, oppressed, and persecuted, yet they shall not only be protected and supported for the present, but in due time shall have all their wants and desires fully satisfied.

With thee, i.e. in thy power to give it, and in thy presence to be enjoyed. The fountain; which notes, 1. Causality. It is in God as in a fountain, and from him is derived to us. 2. Abundance. 3. Excellency.

Continue; as this word signifies, Ps. 85:5, Eccles. 2:3, Jer. 31:3. As thou hast begun, so continue the manifestation and exhibition of it, both in this life, and to the next. Or, extend, or draw forth. Let it not be like a fountain sealed, but let it be drawn forth for their comfort.

Of pride, i. e. of my proud and insolent enemies; the abstract being put for the concrete, as Jer. 50:31–32, Prov. 12:27, Prov. 13:6. Against me; or, upon me, to wit, so as to overthrow or remove me, as it is in the next clause. Remove me; either, 1. From my trust in thee, or obedience to thee.

There, where they come against me, and hope to ruin me. He seems as it were to point at the place with his finger, as if it were already done, and he could tell all the circumstances of it. Or, then, i.e. when they thought all sure, and me irrecoverably lost. Fallen, i.e.