Al-taschith signifies destroy not; which some think to be a preface containing the sum of the Psalm, and reminding David of his great distress, in which he then was; which obliged him to make fervent prayers to God that he would not destroy him, nor give him up into the hands of his enemies, who…

Be merciful unto me: the repetition implies both the greatness of his danger, and the fervency of his spirit in this request, and withal that his whole trust and hope was in God’s mercy. In the shadow of thy wings, i.e.

Heb. that performeth (or perfecteth, or finisheth, as this word is rendered, Ps. 138:8, i.e. will certainly perform or finish) for, or towards, or concerning me. He doth not express what he performeth, or perfecteth, or fulfilleth, but leaveth it to be understood, as being easy to be understood.

He shall send, either, 1. His angels, as Dan. 3:28. Or, 2. His help. Or, 3. His hand; which is understood after this verb, 2 Sam. 6:6, by comparing 1 Chron. 13:9, where it is expressed. Or rather, 4. His mercy and his truth as it here follows, where also this verb is repeated before those words.

I live in the midst of a generation of fierce and bloody men; which both in Scripture and other authors are oft called lions. I lie, I have my abode and conversation, even among (which particle is easily borrowed out of the foregoing clause) them that are set on fire, to wit, of or from hell, as is…

Be thou exalted; glorify thy power, and goodness, and justice, and faithfulness by my deliverance, all which are exposed to censure and reproach, whilst thou sufferest ungodly wretches to oppress and triumph over the innocent and righteous, that put their trust in thee. Above the heavens, i.e.

Is bowed down; or, was bowed down: I was even ready to fall and perish. Or, mine heart was oppressed, and almost overwhelmed. Before me, Heb. before my face; not in my sight, for that would have been in vain, Prov. 1:17; but in my way, where they thought I would go.

Fixed, or established, in a full assurance of thy merciful help. It was ready to sink with fear, or bowed down, Ps. 57:6; but now I have through thy grace conquered my fears, and am fixed in a stedfast belief of thy promises. Or, is prepared, to wit, to sing and give praise, as it follows.

My glory; either, 1. My soul; or rather, 2. My tongue, the instrument of singing, which he was now about to do, Ps. 57:7, Ps. 57:9. I myself will awake early; I will rouse up and employ all the powers of my soul and body to set forth God’s praises.

Among the people; in the great congregations; amongst the Israelites of all tribes, who are called by this name, Deut. 33:19, and amongst the heathens, as I shall have occasion, as he often had.

i.e. Is most evident, and greatly exalted.

See Poole “Ps. 57:5”.