Psalms 51

Verse 2–3. Achimelech. Sixtus V. Septuagint and so forth read Abimelech. But the former is the true name. See 1 Kennicott. 22:9. 20. Calmet.—The word understanding implies, that we ought to reflect on the misery of detraction, and bear our crosses with submission. Bert.—Doeg was but half a Jew, and persecuted the faithful. Worthington.—Iniquity. Hebrew chesed, means also mercy, and some translate, “the mercy of God! or, the great mercy.” Noble exploit! Calmet.—But our version seems more natural. El may be a preposition, as Sym. has Καθ. Bert.—If Doeg, who was the most powerful of the shepherds of Saul, (1 Kennicott. 21:7) thought it his duty to give his master information of what had passed, he ought to have stated the matter fairly, instead of insinuating, that the high-priest was ill-affected. Bible.—Nothing could be more false, as he supposed he was acting agreeably to the interests of Saul, and of the state. Calmet.

Verse 2–3. Achimelech. Sixtus V. Septuagint and so forth read Abimelech. But the former is the true name. See 1 Kennicott. 22:9. 20. Calmet.—The word understanding implies, that we ought to reflect on the misery of detraction, and bear our crosses with submission. Bert.—Doeg was but half a Jew, and persecuted the faithful. Worthington.—Iniquity. Hebrew chesed, means also mercy, and some translate, “the mercy of God! or, the great mercy.” Noble exploit! Calmet.—But our version seems more natural. El may be a preposition, as Sym. has Καθ. Bert.—If Doeg, who was the most powerful of the shepherds of Saul, (1 Kennicott. 21:7) thought it his duty to give his master information of what had passed, he ought to have stated the matter fairly, instead of insinuating, that the high-priest was ill-affected. Bible.—Nothing could be more false, as he supposed he was acting agreeably to the interests of Saul, and of the state. Calmet.

Verse 6. Ruin. Septuagint καταποντισμου, “drowning,” or to make the innocent suffer “shipwreck.”

Verse 7. Thy, is not found in Hebrew Doeg would not dare to enter the tabernacle, after he had slain the priests. Calmet.—Houbigant properly supplies thy. Bert.—Living. The Jews inform us, that Doeg slew himself with his master at Gelboe, and that David punished his offspring with death. Calmet.

Verse 8. Laugh, at the last day, when they will have nothing to fear, nor the wicked to hope. In this life, the just are full of compassion; but they cannot but approve of God’s judgments. Calmet.

Verse 9. The man. Hebrew hageber, “the hero.”

Verse 10. Fruitful. David foretells his own prosperity on the throne, ( Worthington.) when this wretch shall be no more. Bible.—He was at this time in great perplexity, ( Calmet.) in banishment from the house of God. Menochius.

Verse 11. It punished the wicked, and asserted thy just providence. Bible.—Good. Thy saints find the greatest comfort in thee. Calmet.