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Hear my cry, God. Listen to my prayer.
Verse 1. Idithun, to sing. Worthington.—He was one of the chief musicians under David. 1 Chronicles 25:3. The psalm may be explained of David, persecuted by Absalom, ( Calmet.) of the Machabees, (Theod.) and so forth or of Christ, and his Church. Calmet.—Saint Jerome considers it a piece of excellent morality, ( Calmet.) and this may suffice, without referring it to any historical fact. Bert.
From the end of the earth, I will call to you when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Verse 2. Subject. The just is resigned, though he feel like other men. David found a sort of resentment against the rebels, arising in his breast, which he presently repressed, by the thought of God’s will. 2 Kennicott. 12:11. Calmet.—He fears nothing, because his soul is subject to God. Worthington.—Hebrew “silent.” Bible.
For you have been a refuge for me, a strong tower from the enemy.
I will dwell in your tent forever. I will take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
Verse 4. Fence. This may refer to the persecutors, who resembled a leaning wall. Bert. Isaiah 30:13. Calmet.—Prot. “ye shall be slain all of you, as a bowing wall shall ye be,” and so forth He threatens them with speedy destruction, ( Bible.) or represents to them the baseness of attacking a man ready to fall. Calmet.—He informs them, that their attempts will be in vain, though they be very numerous, and he himself apparently so weak. Worthington.
For you, God, have heard my vows. You have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
Verse 5. Price. Septuagint S. Hilary, and so forth “my honour.” They wish to dethrone me, and to represent me as unfit to govern.—I ran. Septuagint εδραμον, “they ran” likewise, as Hebrew implies, and as the Greek Fathers generally explain it. David thought proper to flee, that he might be at a distance from traitors, 2 Kennicott. 15:14. His enemies sought this destruction. Calmet.—They wished to deprive him of the reward of his labours; but he ran more earnestly.—Blessed. Flattery is very dangerous. Worthington.
You will prolong the king’s life. His years will be for generations.
He shall be enthroned in God’s presence forever. Appoint your loving kindness and truth, that they may preserve him.
So I will sing praise to your name forever, that I may fulfill my vows daily.
Verse 8. God. The multiplicity of titles shews the prophet’s love. See Revelation 5:12. Saint Augustine Conf. i. 4. Bert.