A Song of degrees.

This psalm relates to the distressed situation of the church, and contains, (1.) Earnest longings for, and believing expectations of merciful deliverances from God, ver. 1-2. (2.) An improvement of great distress, as a plea for speedy and remarkable relief, ver. 3-4.

While I sing this, let me, in the full assurance of faith, cry to God, for the mercies which my own soul, my family, and the church and nation wherewith I am connected, so much need. Nor let me accept of a denial of my believing requests.

1 O thou that dwellest in the heav’ns,
I lift mine eyes to thee.
2 Behold, as servants’ eyes do look
their masters’ hand to see,

As handmaid’s eyes her mistress’ hand;
so do our eyes attend
Upon the Lord our God, until
to us he mercy send.

3 O Lord, be gracious unto us,
unto us gracious be;
Because replenished with contempt
exceedingly are we.

4 Our soul is filled with scorn of those
that at their ease abide,
And with the insolent contempt
of those that swell in pride.