This also is a psalm of David. It is entitled, like not a few others of the Psalms, “Maschil;” margin, “giving instruction:” a didactic hymn. See the word explained in the Introduction to Psalms 32:1. It is said, in the title, to be “A prayer when he was in the cave;” that is, either a prayer which... [ Continue Reading ]
I CRIED UNTO THE LORD WITH MY VOICE - See the notes at Psalms 3:4, where the language is the same. He uttered a loud and audible prayer, though he was alone. It was not a mental ejaculation, but he gave expression to his desires. WITH MY VOICE UNTO THE LORD DID I MAKE MY SUPPLICATION - See Psalms 3... [ Continue Reading ]
I POURED OUT MY COMPLAINT BEFORE HIM - literally, my meditation; that is, What so much occupied my thoughts at the time I expressed aloud. The word “complaint” does not express the idea. The meaning is, not that he “complained” of God or of man; but that his mind “meditated” on his condition. He was... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEN MY SPIRIT WAS OVERWHELMED WITHIN ME - Luther renders this, “When my spirit was in distress.” The Hebrew word rendered “overwhelmed” means, in Kal, to cover as with a garment; then, to be covered as with darkness, trouble, sorrow; and then, to languish, to faint, to be feeble: Psalms 77:3; Psalm... [ Continue Reading ]
I LOOKED ON MY RIGHT HAND, AND BEHELD - Margin, “Look on the right hand and see The words translated “looked” and “beheld” are in the imperative mood in the Hebrew. They are not, however, improperly rendered as to the sense. They refer to David’s state of mind at the time, and give vividness to the... [ Continue Reading ]
I CRIED UNTO THEE, O LORD - When there was no help; when I saw myself encompassed with dangers; when I looked on every hand and there was no “man” that would undertake for me. I SAID, THOU ART MY REFUGE - (a) My “only” refuge. I can go nowhere else. (b) Thou art “in fact” my refuge. I can and do... [ Continue Reading ]
ATTEND UNTO MY CRY - Give ear to me when I cry to thee. Do not turn away and refuse to hear me. FOR I AM BROUGHT VERY LOW - I am reduced greatly; I am made very poor. The language would be applicable to one who had been in better circumstances, and who had been brought down to a condition of danger... [ Continue Reading ]
BRING MY SOUL OUT OF PRISON - Bring me out of my present condition which is like a prison. I am as it were shut up; I am encompassed with foes; I do not know how to escape. Compare Psalms 25:17. THAT I MAY PRAISE THY NAME - Not merely for my own sake, but that I may have occasion more abundantly to... [ Continue Reading ]