_A.M. 2987. B.C. 1017._ Theodoret supposes that David composed this Psalm while he was among the Philistines, or in some other strange country, into which he was, for some time, forced to flee by the persecution of Saul. Certainly it was written when he was in distress, as, perhaps, from other caus... [ Continue Reading ]
_Judge me, O Lord_ Plead my cause, or, give sentence for me. I can obtain no right from men. The supreme and subordinate magistrates are my implacable and resolved enemies: do thou, therefore, do me justice against them. _For I have walked in my integrity_ Though they accuse me of many crimes, they... [ Continue Reading ]
_Examine me, and prove me_ Because it is possible I may deceive myself, and be partial in my cause, or, at least, mine enemies will so judge of me: I appeal to thee, O thou Judge of hearts, and beg that thou wouldst search and try me by such ways and means as thou seest fit, and make me known to mys... [ Continue Reading ]
_I have not sat with vain persons_ That is, chosen or used to converse with them. I have been so far from an approbation or imitation of their wicked courses, that I have avoided even their company; and, if I accidentally came into it, yet I would not continue in it; _neither will I go in with disse... [ Continue Reading ]
_I will wash my hands in innocency_ “It was a common custom among all the Jews to wash before prayers; but the priests, in particular, were not to perform any sacred office in the sanctuary till they had poured water out of the laver, and washed their hands in it. David here alludes to this custom.... [ Continue Reading ]
_I have loved the habitation of thy house_ That is, thy sanctuary and worship, which is an evidence of my piety to thee, as I have given many proofs of my justice and integrity toward men. Nothing is more grievous to me than to be hindered from seeing and serving thee in thy house. _Where thy honour... [ Continue Reading ]
_Gather not my soul_ That is, my life, as it is explained in the next clause; _with sinners_ Profligate and obstinate sinners, as the following words describe them, such being often called sinners by way of eminence. Do not bind me up in the same bundle, nor put me in the same accursed and miserable... [ Continue Reading ]
_My foot standeth in an even place_ Hebrew, במישׁור, _bemishor, in rectitude._ I stand upon a sure and solid foundation, being under the protection of God's promise and his almighty and watchful providence. Or the sense may be, I do and will persist in my plain, righteous, and straight course of lif... [ Continue Reading ]