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Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley, [1754-65], at sacred-texts.com


Psalms Chapter 36

Psalms 36:1

psa 36:1

No fear - When I consider the manifold transgressions of ungodly men, I conclude within myself, that they have cast off all fear of the Divine majesty.

Psalms 36:2

psa 36:2

Flattereth - He deceiveth himself with vain persuasions, that God does not mind his sins, or will not punish them. Found - Punish, as the same phrase is used, Num 32:23.

Psalms 36:3

psa 36:3

Left off - Once he had some degrees of wisdom, but now he is become an open apostate.

Psalms 36:4

psa 36:4

Deviseth - Freely, from his own inclination, when none are present to provoke him to it.

Psalms 36:5

psa 36:5

Thy mercy - Mine enemies are cruel and perfidious, but thou art infinite in mercy, and faithfulness. Heavens - Is infinite and incomprehensible. Faithfulness - The truth both of thy threatenings against thine enemies, and of thy promises made to good men. The clouds - Is far above our reach, greater and higher than we can apprehend.

Psalms 36:6

psa 36:6

Mountains - Stedfast and unmoveable: eminent and conspicuous to all men. Judgments - The executions of thy counsels. Deep - Unsearchable, as the ocean. Man - The worst of men; yea, the brute - beasts have experience of thy care and kindness.

Psalms 36:7

psa 36:7

Loving - kindness - Though all thine attributes be excellent, yet, above all, thy mercy is most excellent, or precious and amiable.

Psalms 36:8

psa 36:8

Satisfied - Who trust in thee, as he now said. Fatness - With those delightful provisions, which thou hast prepared for them in heaven. The river - Which denotes both their plenty, and their perpetuity.

Psalms 36:9

psa 36:9

Life - It is in God as in a fountain, and from him is derived to us. But - Of that glorious and blessed, and endless life, which alone is worthy of the name. Light - In the light of thy glorious presence, which shall be fully manifested, when we see thee face to face. Light - Joy and comfort, and happiness: the word light is elegantly repeated in another signification; in the former clause it is light discovering, in this light, discovered or enjoyed.

Psalms 36:11

psa 36:11

The foot - Of my proud and insolent enemies. Come - So as to overthrow me.

Psalms 36:12

psa 36:12

There - He seems as it were to point at the place, as if it were already done.


Next: Psalms Chapter 37