_A.M. 2962. B.C. 1042._ The occasion of this Psalm was manifestly some sore disease or affliction, with which God had visited David, and which gave his enemies an opportunity of discovering their hatred and malice against him. He lays hold on God's promise, and prays for mercy, Psalms 41:1. Complai... [ Continue Reading ]
_Blessed is he that considereth the poor_ Or, _poor man;_ that _conducts himself wisely and prudently_ toward him; as משׂכיל, _maschil_, properly signifies, that does not rashly and foolishly censure and condemn him, much less insult over him, but considers his case with prudence and tenderness, rem... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Lord will keep him alive_ Hebrew, _Will quicken him_, that is, revive and restore him. God will either preserve him from trouble, or, if he see that trouble is necessary, or will be useful for him, and therefore suffers him to fall into it, he will raise him out of it. _Thou wilt not deliver hi... [ Continue Reading ]
_I said, Lord, be merciful unto me_ He appeals to mercy, as one that knew he could not stand the test of strict justice. The best saints, even those that have been merciful to the poor, have not made God their debtor; but must throw themselves on his mercy. When we are under the rod, we must thus re... [ Continue Reading ]
_Mine enemies speak evil of me_ Designing thereby to grieve my spirit, ruin my reputation, and sink my interest. _And if he come to see me_ If any of mine enemies visit me in my sickness, according to the custom; _he speaketh vanity_ Or _falsehood_, pretending sympathy with, and friendship to me, wh... [ Continue Reading ]
_An evil disease cleaveth fast unto him_ Hebrew, דבר בליעל, _debar Belijagnal, a word_, or _thing of Belial._ Literally, says Houbigant, _A thing of Belial is poured out upon him_, that is, his wickedness is brought round upon, or overflows him. The reproach wherewith they had loaded him, they hoped... [ Continue Reading ]
_But thou, O Lord, be merciful unto me_ They censure me grievously, and conclude my case to be desperate; but, Lord, do thou vindicate me, and confute them. _Raise me up, that I may requite them_ Hebrew, ואשׁלמה, _veashallemah, and I will requite them_, that is, punish them for their malicious, perf... [ Continue Reading ]
_By this I know that thou favourest me_ Bearest a good will to me, and art resolved to make good thy promises to me, and wilt plead my righteous cause; _because mine enemy doth not triumph over me _ Because hitherto thou hast supported me, and prolonged my days to the disappointment of his hopes, an... [ Continue Reading ]
_Blessed be the Lord God of Israel_ A God in covenant with his people; who has done great and kind things for them, and has more and better in reserve; _from everlasting to everlasting_ Or, _from age to age_, as long as the world lasts, and to all eternity. _Amen and amen Amen_, especially a _double... [ Continue Reading ]