\<>\. This is the first of the psalms that has a title, and is called a Psalm; the word for which, “mizmor”, comes from one which signifies to “cut” or “prune” [[16]], as trees are lopped of their superfluous branches; showing this to be a composition of even feet, in proper metre, formed for the…

Lord, how are they increased that trouble me? &c.] David’s enemies increased in the conspiracy against him, ; the hearts of the men of Israel were after Absalom, and against him.

Many there be which say of my soul Or “to my soul” {u}, the following cutting words, which touched to the quick, reached his very heart, and like a sword pierced through it: there is no help for him in God; or “no salvation” [[21]]: neither in this world, nor in that which is to come, as Kimchi…

But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me Or “about me” [[0]] protecting and defending me. David was a military man, and often alludes to military affairs; and borrows words from thence, expressive of his great security from the Lord; see .

I cried unto the Lord with my voice The experience which the psalmist had of being heard in prayer, was what gave great encouragement to his faith, as to his interest in God and salvation by him, when his enemies were so increased about him; for crying here is to be understood of prayer, as it is…

I laid me down and slept After the battle was over between Absalom’s men and his, says Aben Ezra; but rather this was in the midst of his trouble and distress, since he afterwards prays for salvation: and this sleep was either, as Jarchi observes, through his heart being overwhelmed with grief; for…

I will not be afraid of ten thousands of the people David was a man of courage from his youth; the instances of his attacking the lion and the bear, when he kept his father’s sheep, his engaging with Goliath, and his military exploits, show it; and though there were now many thousands up in arms…

Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God God sometimes, in the apprehension of his people, seems to be as if he was asleep: when he does not appear to them and for them, and does not exert his power on their behalf, then they call to him to awake and arise; see ; and it may be some respect is had to the…

Salvation belongeth unto the Lord As the author of it; temporal salvation is of him; all the deliverances of the saints out of their troubles are from him; and to him is owing their spiritual and eternal salvation; this belongs to Jehovah, Father, Son, and Spirit: Jehovah the Father resolved upon…