Shiggaion: this seems to be the name of a certain kind either of song, or tune, or instrument, which then was very well known, but now is only matter of conjecture; wherewith I think it not fit to trouble the unlearned reader; and the learned may consult my Latin Synopsis.

In thee do I put my trust; all my hope and confidence is in thy favour and faithfulness to make good thy promise made to me.

Lest he, i.e. mine enemy, as it is expressed, Ps. 7:4, even Saul, or any of his followers, tear my soul out of my body; or destroy me and my life, as Ps. 6:5.

If I have done this, i.e. that which Cush and others falsely lay to my charge. If I design or have endeavoured to take away Saul’s crown and life by violence, as Saul’s courtiers maliciously reported, 1 Sam. 24:9–10, 1 Sam. 26:19. In my hands, i.e. in my actions or carriage towards Saul.

Unto him that was at peace with me, i.e. to Saul, when he was peaceable and friendly towards me; for David was charged with evil designs against Saul before Saul broke out into open enmity against him. Yea: this particle is here used by way of correction or opposition, as it is also Ps. 2:6, Prov.

I am contented, and wish that Saul may so persecute my life as to overtake it, and take it away. Mine honour; either, 1. That honourable and royal estate to which I am chosen and designed. Or, 2. My reputation and memory. Or rather, 3.

Arise in thine anger; oppose thy just anger to their causeless and sinful rage against me. Lift up thyself, that thou mayst give them a deadly blow. A metaphor from men who arise and lift up themselves to do so. Heb. be thou exalted; glorify thyself, and show thyself to be above them.

The congregation of the people; either, 1. A great number of all sorts of people, who shall observe thy justice, and holiness, and goodness, in pleading my righteous cause against my cruel and implacable oppressor. Or rather, 2.

It belongs to thee to judge all persons and people, and to give sentence between them, especially when they appeal unto thee; which I now do. If I be guilty of those evil designs towards him, wherewith Cush and others charge me, do thou give sentence against me; but if I be just and innocent…

Let the malice of mine enemies cease, put a stop to their wicked practices, either by changing their hearts, or by tying their hands, or some other way; say to it, as thou dost to the sea, Hitherto hast thou gone, but thou shalt go no further, and here shall thy proud waves be stayed.

My defence is of God, Heb. My shield is upon God; he doth as it were carry my shield before me. See 1 Sam. 17:7. He doth and will protect me against all mine enemies.

God judgeth, i.e. defendeth, or avengeth, or delivereth, as this word is oft used, as Deut. 32:36, Ps. 9:4, Ps. 10:18, Ps. 26:1;c. To judge is properly to give sentence; which because it may be done either by absolving and acquitting from punishment, or by condemning and giving up to punishment,…

If he, i.e. the wicked man last mentioned, either Cush or Saul, turn not from this wicked course of calumnating or persecuting me, he, i.e. God, who is often designed by this pronoun, being easily to be understood from the nature of the thing, will whet his sword, i.e.

For him; either, 1. For or against the persecutor, as it follows. Or rather, 2. For himself, for his own use, to wit, to shoot against his enemies. The instruments of death, i.e. arrows, or other deadly weapons. He ordaineth, Heb. maketh or worketh, designeth or fitteth for his very use.

He, i.e. the wicked, as is undeniably manifest from the matter and context. Conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood: this metaphor noteth his deep design, and continued course, and vigorous endeavours for the doing of mischief, and his restlessness and pain till he have accomplished it.

Hath brought that evil upon himself which he intended against me; which may be understood either of Saul, who whilst he plotted against David’s life ran into apparent hazard of losing his own, 1 Sam. 24:0; 1 Sam.

Which phrase may note whence this retribution should come, even from heaven, or from the righteous and remarkable judgment of God.

According to his righteousness, declared and asserted by him in their exemplary punishment, and my seasonable and wonderful deliverance.