“To the chief Musician upon Jonathelemrechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath. Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me. Michtam: or, A golden Psalm of David”
Destroy not. Suffer me not to be destroyed, (Challoner; Menochius) or I will not allow my men to destroy an implacable foe, (Haydock) as they entreat me to do. This conduct is worthy of eternal memory. (Worthington) — The words may also be an admonition to the reader, not to alter this piece, Apocalypse xxii. 18. (Calmet) — Al tashcheth, (or thosséth.; Haydock) is supposed to be an instrument, or a favourite song, such as that of Moses, (Deuteronomy ix. 26.) which begins thus. But the point is uncertain. The same words occur, Psalm lviii., lix., (Berthier) and lxxiv. They are put in the mouth of Christ suffering, by St. Hilary, &c. — Cave of Odollam, or rather of Engaddi. (Calmet)
“Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High. enemies: Heb. observers”
In thee. This obliges God to take pity, Psalm xlvi. 11. — Wings, as a chicken retires to the hen, Ruth ii. 12., and Matthew xxiii. 37.
“In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.”
Sent his mercy, &c., (Calmet) above the power of man. (Worthington) — Reproach. Saul was forced to entreat David to preserve his family, as he had just spared his own life; which would, no doubt, mortify his pride, (1 Kings xxiv. 18, 22.; Calmet) and seem a reproach to him. (Worthington)
“Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts are against me for evil.”
Lions. Poetry gives life to all things. It represents mercy and truth as God’s messengers; and Saul as a young lion. He might have entered the cave with his men, and destroyed David: but Providence caused him to enter alone, so that David had an opportunity to cut off the hem of his garment, and to shew his clemency. — Sword. Thus were the Jews armed, to demand Christ’s death. (Eusebius) (Calmet) — The persecutors use artificial weapons, and excite one another to fury, 1 Kings xxii. 16. (Worthington)
“Shall they escape by iniquity? in thine anger cast down the people, O God.”
Down. Hebrew, “my soul was bowed down,” (Berthier) or “to bow down my soul.” (St. Jerome) (Haydock) — Saul strove many ways to destroy his rival, sending him to fight the Philistines, who, nevertheless, proved the ruin of Saul, 1 Kings xviii. 17., and xxxi. 1. (Worthington)
“Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?”
My. This and the following verses, from the 107th psalm. (Calmet)
“When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.”
Glory. Soul, tongue, or rather instruments of music, (Calmet) and spirit of prophecy. (St. Athanasius)
“In God will I praise his word: in the LORD will I praise his word.”
Nations. The psalms are now recited, (Worthington) in every language, and the wonders wrought by Christ are proclaimed. (Calmet)
“In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.”
Clouds. They are exceedingly great. (Haydock) — Christ has mounted to the highest heavens, and his apostles have preached (Calmet) his saving truths, which, like clouds, render the earth fruitful in good works. (Haydock)
“Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee.”
Earth. It is just thy mercy should be extolled. (Menochius; ver. 6.)