David sheweth that in his trouble all his comfort was in prayer unto God.
0Maschil1 of David; A Prayer 2when he was in the cave.
1 See Psalm 32 in the title.
2 David relates here how he carried himself in the cave at Engedi or Adullam, being fled to it by reason of the fierce persecution of Saul, 1 Sam. 22:1; 24:4.
1I CRIED unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication.
2I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble.
3Whena my spirit was 3overwhelmed within me, then 4thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have 5they 6privily laid a snare for me.
a Psalm 77:3.
3 See the second annotation at Psalm 102 in the title.
4 Thou, O Lord. The meaning is: Though I did not know which way to choose or turn, yet Thou knewest it well, showing me the way and means, whereby to escape and avoid the bloodthirsty hands of Saul.
5 Namely, Saul and his followers.
6 That is, laid it in a hidden or obscure place.
4I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man 7that would know me: 8refuge failed me; no man 9cared 10for my soul.
7 Namely, to help or assist me.
8 Hebr. to escape was lost or perished from me, that is, I knew not where to flee. Compare Job 11:20.
9 Hebr. sought or enquired for my soul. So Prov. 29:10. See the annotation at Deut. 11 on verse 12. Compare 2 Sam. 4 on verse 8.
10 That is, for me, or, my life or preservation.
5I cried 11unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and 12my portionb in the land of the living.
11 Namely, when I was in such an anxiety and distress.
12 That is, my Inheritance, Whereupon I rely as long as I live in this world. See Psalm 27:13; Isa. 38:11; 53:8.
bPsalm 16:5.
6Attend unto my cry; for I am 13brought very low: deliverc me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.
13 Hebr. became thin.
cPsalm 41:1; 79:8; 116:6.
7Bring 14my soul 15out of prison, that I may praise thy name: 16the righteous shall compass 17me about; 18for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.
14 That is, me, my person.
15 Hebr. out of being shut up, namely, that I with my people being shut up as it were in prison, being surrounded by mine enemies.
16 The godly among God’s people.
17 Or, surrounding me in the manner of a crown, namely, to look upon me with admiration, and to praise and to thank Thee, O Lord, together with me, for the wonderful favor and deliverance which Thou hast shown me.
18 That is, when Thou shalt have brought me once to rest and establish me in a good and prosperous condition.