_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 ]