1David praying to God in confidence of his word complaineth of his enemies: 9he professeth his confidence in God's word, and promiseth to praise him.
0To the chief Musician upon 1Jonath-elem-rechokim, 2Michtam of David, whena the Philistines took him in Gath.
1 This some do hold for a beginning of a certain song, well known unto the Jews in those days, unto the tune whereof this psalm was to be sung. Others render it thus: of the dumb dove (Hebr. dove of dumbness) in remote places; whereby David at that time would understand himself to be like unto a dove, which, being chased far away from her abode, mourns and makes no sound at all. Compare Psalm 55:6. Likewise thus: of the oppression of the assembly (or, of the rock) of those that are far (estranged), namely, from God and His people, meaning the Philistines, who had put David in hold among them, and brought him before their king Achish, nothing doubting but the same would forthwith command that David should be put to death to some shameful death.
2 See Psalm 16 in the title.
a 1 Sam. 21:12, 13, 14.
1BE merciful unto me, O God: for 3man would 4swallow me up; he fighting daily 5oppresseth me.
3 Saul with his people on the one side and now the Philistines also on the other, so that he was nowhere safe.
4 Hebr. doth swallow or swill or glut me up, or hath swallowed me, that is, he seeks to devour me as a wild animal, or, he was close to have it done; it shall not be his fault; and so in the next verse. Compare Neh. 6 on verses 9, 14; Psalm 57:3. Other, panteth or gapeth, pineth after me, pursueth gaping after me, that is, gapes, longs and endeavors most eagerly after it, how he may undo and ruin me. Thus the Hebrew word is likewise taken Job 7:2; Psalm 119:131; Prov. 1:5.
5 Or, fighting he presseth me.
26Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, 7O thou most High.
6 Those who watch my ways.
7 Thus the Hebrew word marom is likewise used of God, Psalm 92:8; Micah 6:6. Other, in height, that is, haughtily, daringly, insolently, or, in the highest degree.
3What time I am 8afraid, I will trust in thee.
8 As if he had said, I shall overcome the fear by trusting in Thee.
4In God I will praise his 9word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what 10flesh can do unto me.
9 That is, His true and steadfast promises, which do support my faith and comfort me in all my sufferings; howbeit they are not presently fulfilled, yet of this I am most sure they shall not remain behind, nor tarry, but in due time I shall rejoice and glory in the Lord. Thus David strengthens himself in his extremity.
10 A frail and perishing man, who is but flesh and blood. Compare Psalm 78:39; Isa. 31:3, 40:6; Jer. 17:5. Also 2 Chron. 32 on verse 8. Likewise Gen. 6 on verse 12.
5Every day they 11wrestb my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.
11 Other, trouble or grieve they my things or affairs. The Hebrew word signifies to cause smart, grief, trouble, and likewise to frame, form, fashion (see Job 10 on verse 8), which the potter performs on the clay with turning and pressing; thus it seems David would say that they do vex and grieve him with a daily wresting and turning of his words, to whom they give (as it were) quite another shape and semblance, forcing a false and perverse sense upon them, only to make him black and odious.
b twist, distort*
6They gather themselves together, they 12hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my 13soul.
12 To look in secret upon my ways and steps, to see how and where they may ensnare or entrap me and take my life, which they long for with expectation.
13 That is, for my life. See Gen. 19 on verse 17.
714Shall they escape by iniquity? in thine anger cast down the 15people, O God.
14 Or, Shalt thou let them escape in their iniquity? That is, go unpunished? Other, Being at liberty tendeth them to iniquity, or oppression, that is, Thy forbearance and long-suffering (that Thou delayest to punish them) is misused by them to all manner of evil and mischief; therefore throw, etc.
15 These namely, who deal thus, and follow such practices.
8Thou tellest my 16wanderings: put thou my 17tears into thy 18bottle: are they not in thy 19book?
16 How often I was put to flee and retire, now to this, then to that place. See further Job 14 on verse 16.
17 Hebr. tear, that is, every tear I shed.
18 Or, leather bag. Spoken of God after a human manner, to declare that God takes singular notice of the tears of those, who are wrongfully oppressed, and holds them in esteem, to vindicate them in due season. Compare Deut. 32:34. Both Hebrew words, signifying wanderings and bottle, have a pleasing similarity.
19 Or, register, account. I know assuredly (will David say) that Thou dost note or set them down, and shalt forget not one of them; a manner of questioning often used among the Hebrews when they affirm a thing without a doubt.
9When I 20cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is 21for me.
20 As Psalm 4:1.
21 Or, with me, or mine; how little soever my affairs may appear. Other, this I know that God is with me.
10In God will I praise his 22word: in the LORD will I praise his word.
22 See on verse 4.
11In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid whatc23man can do unto me.
cPsalm 118:6.
23 As if he said, a frail creature, made but of earth. Compare verse 4.
12Thy vows are 24upon me, O God: I will render 25praises unto thee.
24 That is, I have engaged myself to Thee by vows, that I will show my thankfulness, when Thou shalt have performed Thy promises upon me, according to Thy Word. Compare Psalm 66:13.
25 Or, thank offerings, praise offerings.
13For thou hast delivered my soul from death: 26wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before 27God in the 28light of the living?
26 By way of question as in verse 8.
27 That is, before Thy face.
28 Which men enjoy, while they live on earth. Compare Job 33:28, 30; Psalm 27 on verse 13; 116:9.