Psalms 143:1

Verse 1. Goliath. Hebrew has simply, “of David.” Bible.—S. Hilary thinks that the Septuagint added the rest by inspiration, ( Calmet.) because this was David’s first exploit in war. Worthington.—But others pay no deference to this part of the title. The Chaldee, however, seems to allude to the same victory, (verse 10) and the Syriac to that which David obtained over Asaph, brother of Goliath. 1 Chronicles 20:5. Calmet.—David prays that he may overcome the Philistines, and give thanks in Psalms 17. Ferrand.—These two psalms are very much alike, and this seems to have been written after the rebels were discomfited, while the 17th expresses the sentiments of the prophet, towards the end of his life, for all his victories. Calmet.—Zorobabel after the defeat of God, (Ezekiel 38. Orig.) or the Machabees; (Greek paraphrast.) or Jesus Christ might adopt these sentiments. Holy Fathers.—Kimchi and Goan refer the psalm to the Messias. Calmet.—God. Hebrew “rock.”—Fingers. Which chose the five pebbles. He was to exert himself, and yet to acknowledge that all success came from God. Bert.—He had not been trained to war, when he overcame Goliath. Worthington.