_David prayeth that his suit may be acceptable, his conscience sincere, and his life safe from snares._ A Psalm of David. _TITLE._ לדוד מזמור _MIZMOR LEDAVID._— It is probable that David composed this psalm just before his flight to Achish, king of Gath, when he had a second time spared Saul's life... [ Continue Reading ]
LET MY PRAYER, &C.— This shews the writer at a distance from the tabernacle; where all their solemn prayers, together with their daily sacrifices, were offered up; and therefore, with his face probably directed thither, he begs that God would accept of all that was in his power to perform: namely, t... [ Continue Reading ]
SET A WATCH, O LORD, &C.— Mr. Peters paraphrases these two verses thus: "I am now going to seek a retreat from the persecutions of my master Saul, amidst a race of idolaters, who will be curious to observe all my words and actions, and will attempt to draw me in to be a partaker with them in their i... [ Continue Reading ]
LET THE RIGHTEOUS, &C.— I. Mr. Peters is of opinion, that David in this verse manifestly alludes to his anointment and designation to the throne. He translates and explains it thus: _Let the just man be still upbraiding me with my goodness, and let the ointment of my head be urged against me, it sha... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEN THEIR JUDGES— This first verse contains an account of David's humanity towards Saul, in giving him his life at two several times, when he had it in his power to destroy him as he pleased, says Mr. Peters, who translates it thus: _Their judges have been dismissed in the rocky places, and have he... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT MINE EYES, &C.— When we reflect upon the surprising generosity of David towards Saul, it naturally excites one's curiosity to know the principle upon which he acted. A conduct so extraordinary must needs have some extraordinary basis for its support; I mean some fixed religious principle, which... [ Continue Reading ]
KEEP ME FROM THE SNARE, &C.— If Saul and his evil counsellors be meant in the first clause of the 9th verse, there is no doubt but the _heathen_ to whom David was now driven for refuge, must be understood in the latter. They are here characterised, as in Psalms 141:4 by the appellation, _workers of... [ Continue Reading ]