PSALM 56 JONATH-ELEM-REEHOKIM is supposed to be the name of a song;
but many render it, as the words signify, _concerning the dumb dove
afar off_; all which agrees very well to David in his present
circumstances. He calls himself a _dove_ for his innocency, and folly
(which is ascribed to the dove,... [ Continue Reading ]
MINE ENEMIES, Heb. _my observers_, that narrowly look to all my paths,
and watch for my haltings, and for an opportunity to destroy me. MANY
THAT FIGHT AGAINST ME: they trust to their great numbers, wherein they
know themselves to be much superior to me. O THOU MOST HIGH; who from
thine high place b... [ Continue Reading ]
When I have the greater cause of fear, I will rely upon thy providence
and promise for my deliverance.... [ Continue Reading ]
IN GOD I WILL PRAISE HIS WORD: the sense is, either,
1. I will praise or boast in the Lord's word, or the Lord for his
word. Or, 2. _With_ or _by the Lord_ (i.e. by his favour or help) I
will praise his word. Or rather,
3. This, as I humbly conceive: There are many things to be praised and
celebrat... [ Continue Reading ]
THEY WREST MY WORDS; they misconstrue and pervert my most innocent
expressions, and turn them into matter of calumny, wherewith they may
incense Saul against me. Or, _they perplex my affairs_. All their
thoughts are against me for evil; it is their whole study to do me
mischief.... [ Continue Reading ]
THEY GATHER THEMSELVES TOGETHER; after they have severally employed
their thoughts against me, they meet together to compare their
thoughts, and to put them in execution. THEY HIDE THEMSELVES; they
lurk secretly, either that they may pry into all my most private
actions, or that they may surprise me... [ Continue Reading ]
SHALL THEY ESCAPE BY INIQUITY? shall they secure themselves by such
injurious and malicious practices, whereby they do not only vex me,
but provoke and despise thee? Shall they have success instead of the
punishments which thou hast threatened, and they have deserved? God
forbid. But the words may b... [ Continue Reading ]
MY WANDERINGS: here I have been hunted from place to place, and am now
driven hither. PUT MY TEARS INTO THY BOTTLE; regard, and remember, and
pity them. ARE THEY NOT IN THY BOOK? but why do I pray to God to do
that which I am well assured he is of himself inclined to do, and hath
already done?... [ Continue Reading ]
When I have no other arms or force, which is my present case, my
prayers shall be sufficient to overthrow mine enemies.... [ Continue Reading ]
What I have already engaged to do, PSALMS 56:4, that I do again and
again promise to do, and I cannot sufficiently praise thy goodness in
making promises, and thy faithfulness in keeping them.... [ Continue Reading ]
No text from Poole on this verse.... [ Continue Reading ]
As I have prayed to thee, and am assured that thou wilt deliver me; so
in confidence thereof I have made vows to express my gratitude to
thee, and I acknowledge myself obliged and do resolve to perform them.... [ Continue Reading ]
FROM DEATH; which my enemies designed, and my extreme dangers
threatened. I am confident that thou wilt deliver, because of thy
promises, and my former experience. THAT I MAY WALK BEFORE GOD, i.e.
that I may please, and serve, and glorify thee, as this phrase
implies, GENESIS 5:24, compared with HEB... [ Continue Reading ]