Psalms 109 - Introduction

A.M. 2962. B.C. 1042.

This Psalm was undoubtedly composed by David; but whether when he was persecuted by Saul, and calumniated by Doeg, (see 1 Samuel 26:19,) or whether at the time of Absalom's rebellion, is uncertain. Aben Ezra and Kimchi, with several others of the Jewish interpreters, think it was written at the former period, with whom most commentators seem to agree. The Syriac translators, however, ascribe it to the latter time, in which case, in one part of it, he refers to the traitor Ahithophel, who, in a fit of despair, went and hanged himself, (2 Samuel 17:23,) in which last circumstance he exactly typified Judas, who, without all question, was prophetically intended in this Psalm, for so St. Peter expounds it, Acts 1:20, including, however, the persecuting Jews, against whom the psalmist denounces the most dreadful judgments. And, in this view, the curses, as they are called, can give no offence to any well- disposed mind; for in reality they are mere prophetic denunciations, and accordingly should be translated throughout in the future tense, as we have had occasion to observe more than once before, concerning other similar passages. Here then David, as a type of Christ, complains of his enemies, and appeals to God, Psalms 109:1. Foretels their destruction, Psalms 109:6. Prays that God would succour him in his low condition, Psalms 109:21. Concludes with a joyful hope of deliverance, Psalms 109:30; Psalms 109:31.