1David in prayer fleeing unto God complaineth of his dangerous case: 7he encourageth himself to praise God.
0To the chief Musician, 1Al-taschith, 2Michtam of David, whena he fled from Saul in the cave.
1 This some do likewise hold, for the beginning of a certain song, well known among the Jews at that time, according to the tune whereof this psalm was to be sung. Others are of the opinion, that it is a short summary or argument of the contents of this psalm, wherein David declared more at large, that in his great distress he was wont, anxiously and frequently, to call upon God in these few words; namely, destroy or consume not.
2 See Psalm 16 in the title.
a 1 Sam. 22:1; 24:4.
1BE merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul 3trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of 4thy wings will I make my refuge, until these 5calamities be overpast.
3 Or, taketh refuge to thee, and so in the sequel.
4 See Ruth 2 on verse 12; Psalm 61:4; 63:7.
5 Or, troubles, miseries, mishaps, adversities, wretchednesses.
2I will cry unto God most high; unto God that 6performeth all things for me.
6 Namely, His work, which He has already begun with me. Compare Psalm 138:8; Philip. 1:6.
3He shall 7send from heaven, and save me from 8the reproach of him that would 9swallow me up. 10Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his 11truth.
7 His hand, help or holy angels. See Psalm 144:7; Dan. 3:28. Or, His kindness and truth, as follows.
8 Or, bringing to reproach.
9 See Psalm 56 on verse 1.
10 See Psalm 3 on verse 2.
11 Or, faithfulness; that is, He shall faithfully perform His gracious promises by actual help and deliverance. Compare Psalm 40:11; 42:8.
4My 12soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on 13fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are 14spears and arrows, and their tongue a 15sharp sword.
12 That is, I, my person.
13 Or, fire-bands, Hebr. flaming one, whereby he understands the flatterers and informers, which betrayed him still to Saul, and incensed him more and more against him. See 1 Sam. 23:19, 20; 24:10; 26:1.
14 That is, like unto spears, etc. Hebr. spear.
15 Compare Psalm 55:21; 59:7.
516Beb thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth.
16 Compare verse 3. Since God kept Himself still, David’s enemies persuaded themselves that God regarded him not and approved of their wicked practices, wherewith they dishonored God. Therefore he prays that God would manifest the contrary from heaven upon earth, for the honor of His righteousness and truth. Compare Psalm 58:10, 11.
b Psalm 108:5.
6They have prepared a net for my steps; 17my soul is bowed down: cthey have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah.
17 I was almost ensnared and taken in their net; I was even fallen into it, he wants to say.
c Psalm 7:15; 9:15.
7Myd heart is 18fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.
d Psalm 108:1, etc.
18 Or, strengthened, confirmed. See Psalm 108:1 and the annotations there.
8Awake up, my 19glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.
19 As Psalm 16:9. See there.
9 Ie will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.
e Psalm 108:3.
10Forf thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.
f Psalm 36:5; 108:4.
1120Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.
20 As verse 5.