Shall gnash with his teeth ] Through spite and ill will.

And melt away ] Through envy and hopeless expectation of similar good; for his desire in reference to himself and in reference to him who is the object of his envy, shall perish- shall come to nothing.

ANALYSIS OF THE HUNDRED AND TWELFTH PSALM

The psalmist, having put it down for an infallible maxim, in the close of the former Psalm, "that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom," in this sets down the felicity of that man who fears God, in several particulars.

There are two parts in this Psalm: - I. A general proposition, that he is blessed.

II. An enumeration of particulars in which that blessedness consists, ver. 2-10.

I. To the first part he prefixes a hallelujah, "praise the Lord," which is the intent and scope of the Psalm; that he be praised for those rewards of piety he bestows on such as fear him.

He delivers this one general proposition to persuade them to piety: "Blessed is the man," &c., that believes, honours, and serves him.

For fear a man should mistake, supposing he fears the Lord when he really does not, he adds these three restrictions to his proposition: - 1. "Keep his commandments." An obedient fear.

2. "He delights in them," &c. Is pleased with their equity, and loves them.

3. "He delights greatly," &c. It must be a thankful and ready fear, performed with alacrity and earnestness, done with all the heart.

II. In the rest of the Psalm he insists on what this blessedness consists in: - 1. That the righteous shall have temporal goods, and that they shall be blessings.

2. That though they shall enjoy them, they are not exempted from crosses, 2 Tim. iii. 12.

3. That God distributes these temporal blessings not equally, but most profitably for him.

This being premised, he enumerates the blessings here promised: - 1. "His seed shall be mighty," &c. Which was verified in Abraham and his posterity: "I will show mercy to thousands," &c.

2. "Wealth and riches," &c. That is, abundance of all things shall be in his house, and remain in it for his just dealing; and contentment preserves his well obtained goods to his posterity.

3. "Unto the upright there ariseth light," &c. The light of counsel and consolation, in the midst of doubts, tribulations, and afflictions, which the prophet ascribes to God's mercy and goodness.

4. He hath bowels of compassion, of which he shows two effects: 1.

"A good man showeth favour," &c. Easily forgives an injury. 2.

Imagines he is not born for himself, but to do good to others.

5. "He will guide his affairs with discretion." Discern between truth and falsehood; be no accepter of persons, but in all things just and upright.

6. He is patient and constant. Troubles and dangers may increase; but in the midst of all he looks to heaven, and remains firm in his principles.

7. "The righteous shall be had," &c. His name is written in the book of life, and it is precious in the Church, such as those of the martyrs; while the wicked are detested, such as Judas, Cain, Pilate. At the last day the one shall have "Come, ye blessed;" the other, "Go, ye cursed." 8. "He shall not be afraid of evil tidings." Scandals may arise; but he remembers "the servant is not above his lord," therefore he bears all patiently, and for these reasons: 1. "Because hsis heart is fixed," &c.

He has a sure rock; God will clear his innocency. 2. "His heart is established," &c. He knows God will take care of him.

9. The ninth felicity to the righteous is, God has given him a charitable heart. 1. "He hath dispersed," acts liberally, that others as well as himself may reap. 2. He does it freely, without looking for any thing again: "He gives." 3. "He hath given to the poor." To those who need his kindness.

For this liberality he is a great gainer in two respects: - 1. "The good work he hath done," &c. His charity and piety are increased by it.

2. "His horn," &c. His power, honour, dignity, and glory.

His last felicity is, 1. "The wicked shall see it," and be grieved at his felicity.

2. "He shall gnash his teeth" as a mad dog, and seek his ruin.