CONTENTS
This Psalm was written by David; but it is evident that he was directed by the Holy Spirit to say in it much concerning Christ. In the former part, he dwells upon the divine perfections in the foreknowledge, and fore-appointment concerning Christ. In the latter part, Christ expresseth his agreement with the Father in the perfect holiness and purity of the thoughts and intentions of his heart.
To the chief musician, a Psalm of David.
I beg the Reader, before he enters upon this blessed Psalm, to recollect what I humbly offered upon the title, in former Psalms, to the chief musician. For it, as I then remarked (and as I think is more than probable) it be addressed particularly to the Lord Jesus, it will serve much to illustrate the several parts of it. And I yet more particularly desire the Reader, before he enters upon the perusal of it, to ponder well in his mind, whether, like several other Psalms, which the Holy Ghost himself hath explained unto us (Psalms 16:1; Acts 2:1; Psalms 22:18; Mark 15:24, etc.) it be not best thus to discover Christ, if, without violence to the original, the words may be applied to him? With these impressions on his mind, I beg the Reader to enter upon this most sublime portion of scripture. And while I venture to suggest (and I beg him, once for all, to remember I do but suggest, not affirm) in what sense the several passages contained in it strike me, I entreat him to look up with earnestness to God the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of truth, to guide him into all truth, that his faith may be found to stand, not in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God, 1 Corinthians 2:5.