Verse 2

Lest a he tear my soul like a lion, rending [it] in pieces, while [there is] none to deliver.

(a) He desires God to deliver him from the rage of cruel Saul.

Verse 3

O LORD my God, if I have done b this; if there be iniquity in my hands;

(b) With which Cush charges me.

Verse 4

c If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)

(c) If I did not reverence Saul for affinities sake, and preserved his life, (1 Samuel 26:8-9).

Verse 5

Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take [it]; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine d honour in the dust. Selah.

(d) Let me not only die, but be dishonoured forever.

Verse 6

Arise, O LORD, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me [to] the e judgment [that] thou hast commanded.

(e) In promising me the kingdom.

Verse 7

So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about: for their sakes therefore f return thou on high.

(f) Not only for mine, but for your Church's sake declare your power.

Verse 8

The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my g righteousness, and according to mine integrity [that is] in me.

(g) As concerning my behaviour towards Saul and my enemies.

Verse 9

Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the h hearts and reins.

(h) Though they pretend a just cause against me, yet God will judge their hypocrisy.

Verse 11

God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry [with the wicked] i every day.

(i) He continually calls the wicked to repentance by some sign of his judgments.

Verse 12

If k he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.

(k) Unless Saul changes his mind, I will die, for he has both the men and weapons to destroy me. Thus considering his great danger, he magnifies God's grace.

Verse 17

I will praise the LORD according to his l righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.

(l) In faithfully keeping his promise to me.