But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.
Ver. 3. But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly] Quod separatum asseruerit, that God hath destined mine head to the diadem of the kingdom, and therefore it shall not be in your power to hinder me; sit voluntas Dei, necessitas rei, and this I would have you to know and rest assured of. Let us be no less confident of the crown of glory: Luke 12:32, "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." And 2 Timothy 2:19, The foundation of God abideth sure, having this double seal, i.e. The Lord, for his part, knoweth who are his; and we, for our parts, may know, that if we but name the name of the Lord in prayer, and depart from evil, we shall certainly be saved.
The Lord will hear when I call unto him] Being that I am a godly man, a gracious saint, one that have obtained mercy, and am thereby made merciful to others (for so much the word signifieth), I doubt not of audience and acceptance in heaven. God regards not the prayer if the person be not right. For witches some plead that they use good prayers; in answer whereunto one saith well, Si magicae, Deus non vult tales; si piae, non per tales. God heareth not good prayers from a bad man; as that state in story would not hear a good motion from an ill mouth; or, as we cannot endure to hear sweet words from a stinking breath. The blood of a swine might not be offered in sacrifices, though better to look upon than the blood of a sheep.