Verses 1-10
An evening prayer in time of trouble. The Psalmist prays that he may be strengthened to resist temptation, and so escape the fate of evil men.
2. Be set forth] lit. 'raise itself,' like the smoke of incense.
5. Correction from friends is desirable. An excellent oil, which shall not break my head] RV 'as oil upon the head; let not my head refuse it.' For yet, etc.] 'for still my prayer is against their wrong-doing.'
6. An obscure verse. 'When their judges are flung headlong by the sides of the crag, then shall they hear my words that they are sweet.'
7. Also obscure; perhaps, 'Their bones will be scattered at the mouth of Sheol as when one cleaveth and breaketh up the earth,' referring to the judges.
8. But] better, 'for.'
Leave not, etc.] RM 'Pour not out my soul,' i.e.let me not die: cp. Isaiah 53:12.