King James Version
Psalms 71
24 verses with commentary
In You, O Lord, Do I Take Refuge
In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.</strong> This opening verse establishes the psalm's foundation—complete trust in YHWH. 'Put my trust' (<em>chasiti</em>, חָסִיתִי) means to take refuge, to flee to for safety—like finding shelter in a storm. The psalmist stakes everything on God as his secure refuge. The prayer 'let me never be put to confusion' (<em>al ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1-3) These verses are borrowed, with some verbal alterations, from Psalm 31:1-3, where see Note.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
2-4. This reflection detailed.
**until his iniquity--**literally, "for finding his iniquity for hating"; that is, he persuades himself God will not so find it--"for hating" involving the idea of punishing. Hence his words of iniquity and deceit, and his bold rejection of all right principles of conduct. The climax is that he deliberately adopts and patronizes evil. The negative forms affirm more...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 71
Chapter Outline
Prayers that God would deliver and save.(1-13)
Believing praises.(14-24)
**Verses 1-13**
David prays that he might never be made ashamed of dependence upon God. With this petition every true believer may come boldly to the throne of grace. The gracious care of Divine providence in our birth and infancy, should engage us to early piety. He that was our H...
Read full commentary →Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me.
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KJV Study Commentary
The appeal 'Deliver me in thy righteousness' grounds rescue not in the psalmist's merit but God's character. God's righteousness includes His covenant faithfulness—He must save His people to remain true to His promises. 'Cause me to escape' acknowledges inability to self-rescue. 'Incline thine ear' asks for God's attentive hearing. 'Save me' is direct petition. Each phrase emphasizes dependence on...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5-6. mercy ... and ... faithfulness--**as mercy and truth (Psa 25:10).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 71
Chapter Outline
Prayers that God would deliver and save.(1-13)
Believing praises.(14-24)
**Verses 1-13**
David prays that he might never be made ashamed of dependence upon God. With this petition every true believer may come boldly to the throne of grace. The gracious care of Divine providence in our birth and infancy, should engage us to early piety. He that was our H...
Read full commentary →Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress. Be: Heb. Be thou to me for a rock of habitation
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KJV Study Commentary
The prayer for God to be a 'strong habitation' portrays Him as fortress and dwelling place—both protection and home. 'Whereunto I may continually resort' suggests regular, ongoing refuge, not occasional crisis visits. God has 'given commandment to save me'—divine decree ensures deliverance. 'My rock and my fortress' combines immovability with defensive strength. God is simultaneously secure founda...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **Rock.**—Better, *cliff *(Hebrew *selah*)*, *to distinguish it from *tsûr, *above.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5-6. mercy ... and ... faithfulness--**as mercy and truth (Psa 25:10).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 71
Chapter Outline
Prayers that God would deliver and save.(1-13)
Believing praises.(14-24)
**Verses 1-13**
David prays that he might never be made ashamed of dependence upon God. With this petition every true believer may come boldly to the throne of grace. The gracious care of Divine providence in our birth and infancy, should engage us to early piety. He that was our H...
Read full commentary →Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
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KJV Study Commentary
The plea to be delivered from 'the wicked' and 'unrighteous and cruel man' acknowledges real human threats. Yet the appeal is to God, not human allies or personal strength. The descriptors escalate: wicked (evil), unrighteous (unjust), cruel (violent)—comprehensive opposition. Believers face genuine enemies, but victory comes through divine intervention, not self-defense. Christ faced such opposit...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4-6) These verses are manifestly founded on Psalm 31:8-10; but the variations are more marked than usual, and indicate a definite purpose of adaptation rather than copying.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. shadow of thy wings--**(Compare De 32:11; Psa 91:1).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 71
Chapter Outline
Prayers that God would deliver and save.(1-13)
Believing praises.(14-24)
**Verses 1-13**
David prays that he might never be made ashamed of dependence upon God. With this petition every true believer may come boldly to the throne of grace. The gracious care of Divine providence in our birth and infancy, should engage us to early piety. He that was our H...
Read full commentary →For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth.</strong> This verse personalizes hope and trust—God Himself is the object, not merely what He provides. 'My hope' (<em>tiqvati</em>, תִּקְוָתִי) comes from a root meaning to wait expectantly, like a cord or thread connecting present circumstance to future fulfillment. The psalmist's hope isn't wishful thinking but confident...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **My** **hope.**—Comp. Jeremiah 14:8; Jeremiah 1:7. Also in *New Testament, *1Timothy 1:1, “The Lord Jesus Christ our hope.” Shakespeare, with his fine ear for scriptural expressions, caught this.
“And God shall be my *hope, *my stay.”
“God, our *hope, *shall succour us.”—2 *Henry VI.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. fatness--**richness.
**thy house--**residence--for the privileges and blessings of communion with God (Psa 23:6; 27:4).
**river of thy pleasures--**plenteous supply; may allude to Eden.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 71
Chapter Outline
Prayers that God would deliver and save.(1-13)
Believing praises.(14-24)
**Verses 1-13**
David prays that he might never be made ashamed of dependence upon God. With this petition every true believer may come boldly to the throne of grace. The gracious care of Divine providence in our birth and infancy, should engage us to early piety. He that was our H...
Read full commentary →By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.
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KJV Study Commentary
Being 'holden up from the womb' and 'taken out of my mother's bowels' affirms God's sovereign care from conception. God actively sustains life before birth and through birth—providence begins at the earliest moment of existence. 'My praise shall be continually of thee' responds to lifelong care with lifelong worship. If God preserves from womb through birth and beyond, how much more can He be trus...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Took me out.**—Comp. Psalm 22:10. The Hebrew is not the same, but the Authorised Version renders by the same word, treating it as a transitive participle of a word that elsewhere only means *to go through, *a doubtful expedient. The LXX. (and Vulg.) have “protector,” σκεπαστἠς*, *which is probably an error for ἐκσπαστἠς (following Psalm 22:10, ἐκσπάσας), which would support the rendering, “*...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
9. Light is an emblem of all blessings, given of God as a means to gain more.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 71
Chapter Outline
Prayers that God would deliver and save.(1-13)
Believing praises.(14-24)
**Verses 1-13**
David prays that he might never be made ashamed of dependence upon God. With this petition every true believer may come boldly to the throne of grace. The gracious care of Divine providence in our birth and infancy, should engage us to early piety. He that was our H...
Read full commentary →I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge.
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KJV Study Commentary
Being 'a wonder unto many' means the psalmist's experience—preserved through extraordinary trials—astonishes observers. Yet 'thou art my strong refuge' explains the wonder: God's protecting power, not human resilience. Others marvel at survival; the believer knows the true source. This testimony glorifies God and encourages other believers. Paul similarly became a 'spectacle' whose sufferings magn...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **A wonder**—*i.e., *not a miracle of preservation, but a *monster. *Though men point at him as something to be avoided or mocked, God is his refuge.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. that know thee--**right knowledge of God is the source of right affections and conduct.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 71
Chapter Outline
Prayers that God would deliver and save.(1-13)
Believing praises.(14-24)
**Verses 1-13**
David prays that he might never be made ashamed of dependence upon God. With this petition every true believer may come boldly to the throne of grace. The gracious care of Divine providence in our birth and infancy, should engage us to early piety. He that was our H...
Read full commentary →Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day.
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KJV Study Commentary
The commitment to have one's mouth 'filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day' envisions worship saturating every moment. 'Filled' suggests overflow—praise so abundant it cannot be contained. 'All the day' eliminates segmenting sacred from secular time; every hour belongs to God. This totality of worship reflects the greatest commandment: loving God with all heart, soul, mind, and str...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11. foot of ... hand ... wicked--**all kinds of violent dealing.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 71
Chapter Outline
Prayers that God would deliver and save.(1-13)
Believing praises.(14-24)
**Verses 1-13**
David prays that he might never be made ashamed of dependence upon God. With this petition every true believer may come boldly to the throne of grace. The gracious care of Divine providence in our birth and infancy, should engage us to early piety. He that was our H...
Read full commentary →Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.
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KJV Study Commentary
The plea 'Cast me not off in the time of old age' addresses the fear of abandonment when strength fails. 'Forsake me not when my strength faileth' acknowledges aging's vulnerability. This prayer rests on God's covenant faithfulness—He who began the work will complete it (Philippians 1:6). The aged believer's confidence isn't in sustained vigor but in God's unchanging commitment. Physical decline d...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9-11) This piece may be compared with Psalm 41:6-8. The formal “saying” (Psalm 71:11), introducing a quotation, is an indication of a late date, the early literature employing no signs of quotation. (See, *e.g., *Psalm 68:12; Psalm 68:26.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. There--**in the acting of violence, they are overthrown. A signal defeat.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 71
Chapter Outline
Prayers that God would deliver and save.(1-13)
Believing praises.(14-24)
**Verses 1-13**
David prays that he might never be made ashamed of dependence upon God. With this petition every true believer may come boldly to the throne of grace. The gracious care of Divine providence in our birth and infancy, should engage us to early piety. He that was our H...
Read full commentary →For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together, lay: Heb. watch, or, observe
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KJV Study Commentary
Enemies 'speak against me' and 'lay wait for my soul,' revealing both verbal attacks and active plots. 'Take counsel together' shows organized conspiracy, not random opposition. The escalation from speech to ambush to coordinated plotting depicts intensifying persecution. Yet bringing this to God rather than responding in kind demonstrates faith. Believers face real enemies with real plans, but Go...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 71
Chapter Outline
Prayers that God would deliver and save.(1-13)
Believing praises.(14-24)
**Verses 1-13**
David prays that he might never be made ashamed of dependence upon God. With this petition every true believer may come boldly to the throne of grace. The gracious care of Divine providence in our birth and infancy, should engage us to early piety. He that was our H...
Read full commentary →Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him.
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KJV Study Commentary
Enemies conclude 'God hath forsaken him' and therefore 'persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver.' They interpret suffering as evidence of divine abandonment, emboldening their attacks. This lie—that trouble means God's absence—contradicts covenant promises. Satan used this tactic against Job. Christ's cry 'My God, why hast thou forsaken me?' (Matthew 27:46) experienced true abandonmen...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 37 Psa 37:1-40. A composed and uniform trust in God and a constant course of integrity are urged in view of the blessedness of the truly pious, contrasted in various aspects with the final ruin of the wicked. Thus the wisdom and justice of God's providence are vindicated, and its seeming inequalities, which excite the cavils of the wicked and the distrust of the pious, are explained. David's...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 71
Chapter Outline
Prayers that God would deliver and save.(1-13)
Believing praises.(14-24)
**Verses 1-13**
David prays that he might never be made ashamed of dependence upon God. With this petition every true believer may come boldly to the throne of grace. The gracious care of Divine providence in our birth and infancy, should engage us to early piety. He that was our H...
Read full commentary →O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help.
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KJV Study Commentary
The urgent prayer 'O God, be not far from me' seeks divine presence and intervention. 'Make haste for my help' combines distance imagery (be near) with speed imagery (hurry). The repetition emphasizes desperation—not casual request but urgent plea. God's nearness and swift action are essential for deliverance. This models persistent, bold prayer that doesn't give up despite circumstances. Jesus ta...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12, 13) These verses recall Psalm 22:11; Psalm 35:4; Psalm 35:26; Psalm 38:21-22; Psalm 40:13-14.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
PSALM 37 Psa 37:1-40. A composed and uniform trust in God and a constant course of integrity are urged in view of the blessedness of the truly pious, contrasted in various aspects with the final ruin of the wicked. Thus the wisdom and justice of God's providence are vindicated, and its seeming inequalities, which excite the cavils of the wicked and the distrust of the pious, are explained. David's...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 71
Chapter Outline
Prayers that God would deliver and save.(1-13)
Believing praises.(14-24)
**Verses 1-13**
David prays that he might never be made ashamed of dependence upon God. With this petition every true believer may come boldly to the throne of grace. The gracious care of Divine providence in our birth and infancy, should engage us to early piety. He that was our H...
Read full commentary →Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.
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KJV Study Commentary
The imprecation asks that adversaries 'be consumed' and 'covered with reproach and dishonour' as they sought to bring on the psalmist. This mirrors Haman hanged on his own gallows (Esther 7:10) and Paul's warning that destruction comes on those who harm God's people (2 Thessalonians 1:6). These prayers aren't personal vengeance but appeals for divine justice. They acknowledge God as righteous judg...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **Hurt.**—Literally, *evil.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. Trust--**sure of safety.
**shalt thou dwell--**or, "dwell thou"; repose quietly.
**verily ... fed--**or, "feed on truth," God's promise (Psa 36:5; compare Ho 12:1).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 71
Chapter Outline
Prayers that God would deliver and save.(1-13)
Believing praises.(14-24)
**Verses 1-13**
David prays that he might never be made ashamed of dependence upon God. With this petition every true believer may come boldly to the throne of grace. The gracious care of Divine providence in our birth and infancy, should engage us to early piety. He that was our H...
Read full commentary →But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.</strong> This verse expresses unyielding commitment to hope and escalating praise despite circumstances. 'I will hope continually' (<em>va'ani tamid ayachel</em>, וַאֲנִי תָּמִיד אֲיַחֵל) uses 'continually' (<em>tamid</em>, תָּמִיד), the same word describing the perpetual offerings in the temple—hope becomes a constant sa...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. desires--**(Psa 20:5; 21:2), what is lawful and right, really good (Psa 84:11).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-24**
The psalmist declares that the righteousness of Christ, and the great salvation obtained thereby, shall be the chosen subject of his discourse. Not on a sabbath only, but on every day of the week, of the year, of his life. Not merely at stated returns of solemn devotion, but on every occasion, all the day long. Why will he always dwell on this? Because he knew not the numbers ...
Read full commentary →My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof.
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KJV Study Commentary
The commitment to declare God's righteousness and salvation 'all the day' mirrors verse 8's 'all the day' praise. 'I know not the numbers thereof' acknowledges God's deeds are innumerable—impossible to fully catalog. This humility before divine abundance produces ongoing testimony. Believers never exhaust reasons to praise God; new mercies appear daily (Lamentations 3:22-23). Worship based on God'...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) Comp. Psalm 40:5, which indicates the meaning here. Mere reminiscence must give place to actual calculation, which too must fail before the sense of Divine interference in his favour.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. Commit thy way--**(Pr 16:3). Works--what you have to do and cannot set forth as a burden.
**trust ... in him--**literally, "on Him." He will do what you cannot (compare Psa 22:8; 31:6). He will not suffer your character to remain under suspicion.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-24**
The psalmist declares that the righteousness of Christ, and the great salvation obtained thereby, shall be the chosen subject of his discourse. Not on a sabbath only, but on every day of the week, of the year, of his life. Not merely at stated returns of solemn devotion, but on every occasion, all the day long. Why will he always dwell on this? Because he knew not the numbers ...
Read full commentary →I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.
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KJV Study Commentary
The psalmist will 'go in the strength of the Lord God' and 'make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.' Going in God's strength, not personal power, ensures success. Mentioning 'thy righteousness only' eliminates boasting in human achievement. This exclusive focus on divine righteousness anticipates Paul's teaching that believers have no righteousness of their own but rely entirely on ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **I will go . . .**—Rather, *I will come with the Lord Jehovah’s mighty deeds, i.e., *come with the tale of them (as last verse) and praise of them into the Temple. (Comp. Psalm 5:7; Psalm 66:13.)
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-24**
The psalmist declares that the righteousness of Christ, and the great salvation obtained thereby, shall be the chosen subject of his discourse. Not on a sabbath only, but on every day of the week, of the year, of his life. Not merely at stated returns of solemn devotion, but on every occasion, all the day long. Why will he always dwell on this? Because he knew not the numbers ...
Read full commentary →O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.</strong> This verse testifies to lifelong spiritual education and ongoing proclamation. 'Thou hast taught me' (<em>limadtani</em>, לִמַּדְתָּנִי) recognizes God as the primary teacher—not merely through human instructors but directly through experience, Scripture, and divine illumination. The psalmis...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-8. Rest in--**literally, "Be silent to the Lord."
**and wait--**Be submissive--avoid petulance and murmurings, anger and rash doing.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-24**
The psalmist declares that the righteousness of Christ, and the great salvation obtained thereby, shall be the chosen subject of his discourse. Not on a sabbath only, but on every day of the week, of the year, of his life. Not merely at stated returns of solemn devotion, but on every occasion, all the day long. Why will he always dwell on this? Because he knew not the numbers ...
Read full commentary →Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come. when: Heb. unto old age and gray hairs thy strength: Heb. thine arm
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.</strong> This poignant prayer from an elderly believer reveals concern that extends beyond personal survival—the psalmist wants to live long enough to testify to the next generation. 'Old and greyheaded' (<em>ziknah vesevah</em>, ז...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **Now also when.**—Literally, *yea, even to old age and grey hairs. *Psalm 129:1 shows that this may be a national as well as an individual prayer.
**Thy strength.**—Literally, *thine arm, *the symbol of power. (Comp. Isaiah 52:10; Isaiah 53:1, &c)
**Unto this generation.**—Literally, *to a generation, *explained by the next clause to mean, *to the coming generation.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-8. Rest in--**literally, "Be silent to the Lord."
**and wait--**Be submissive--avoid petulance and murmurings, anger and rash doing.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-24**
The psalmist declares that the righteousness of Christ, and the great salvation obtained thereby, shall be the chosen subject of his discourse. Not on a sabbath only, but on every day of the week, of the year, of his life. Not merely at stated returns of solemn devotion, but on every occasion, all the day long. Why will he always dwell on this? Because he knew not the numbers ...
Read full commentary →Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!</strong> After detailing God's faithfulness from youth to old age, David bursts into doxology. "Thy righteousness" (צִדְקָתְךָ/<em>tzidqatekha</em>) encompasses God's just character, right actions, and covenant faithfulness. "Very high" (עַד־מָרוֹם/<em>ad-marom</em>) literally means "unto...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **Very high.**—Literally, *to the height, i.e., *to the heavens, as in Psalm 36:5; Psalm 57:10. The clauses should be arranged, *Thy righteousness also, O God, to the height—Thou who doest great things—God, who is like unto thee? *(Comp. Exodus 15:11.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
9. Two reasons: The prosperity of the wicked is short; and the pious, by humble trust, will secure all covenant blessing, denoted here by "inherit the earth" (compare Psa 25:13).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-24**
The psalmist declares that the righteousness of Christ, and the great salvation obtained thereby, shall be the chosen subject of his discourse. Not on a sabbath only, but on every day of the week, of the year, of his life. Not merely at stated returns of solemn devotion, but on every occasion, all the day long. Why will he always dwell on this? Because he knew not the numbers ...
Read full commentary →Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.</strong> This verse testifies to God's pattern of deliverance through difficulty. 'Great and sore troubles' (<em>tsarot rabot vera'ot</em>, צָרוֹת רַבּוֹת וְרָעוֹת, literally 'troubles many and evil') acknowledges severe, multiple afflictions. The psalmist d...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **Quicken me.**—According to the written text, *quicken us, *an indication that the psalm is a hymn for congregational use. As for the change from singular to plural, that is common enough.
**Depths . . .**—Abysses, properly of water. (See Psalm 33:7.) Perhaps here with thought of the waters on which the earth was supposed to rest. If so, the image is the common one of a “sea of trouble.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-11. shall not be--**literally, "is not"--is not to be found.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-24**
The psalmist declares that the righteousness of Christ, and the great salvation obtained thereby, shall be the chosen subject of his discourse. Not on a sabbath only, but on every day of the week, of the year, of his life. Not merely at stated returns of solemn devotion, but on every occasion, all the day long. Why will he always dwell on this? Because he knew not the numbers ...
Read full commentary →Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.</strong> Having praised God's incomparability (verse 19), David expresses confident expectation of future blessing. "Increase my greatness" (תֶּרֶב גְּדֻלָּתִי/<em>terev gedulati</em>) prays for expansion of honor, influence, and impact. <em>Gedulah</em> can mean greatness, dignity, or majesty—not worldly ambition but God-give...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **Comfort me on every side.**—Literally, either *thou wilt compass with comfort, *or *wilt turn with comfort. *The LXX. adopts the latter.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-11. shall not be--**literally, "is not"--is not to be found.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-24**
The psalmist declares that the righteousness of Christ, and the great salvation obtained thereby, shall be the chosen subject of his discourse. Not on a sabbath only, but on every day of the week, of the year, of his life. Not merely at stated returns of solemn devotion, but on every occasion, all the day long. Why will he always dwell on this? Because he knew not the numbers ...
Read full commentary →I will also praise thee with the psaltery , even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel. the psaltery: Heb. the instrument of psaltery
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.</strong> David vows instrumental and vocal worship in response to anticipated deliverance and comfort. "Psaltery" (נֶבֶל/<em>nevel</em>) was a stringed instrument, possibly lyre or harp. "Harp" (כִּנּוֹר/<em>kinnor</em>) was another stringed instrument David ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **With the psaltery.**—See Psalm 57:8, Note.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. gnasheth ... teeth--**in beastly rage.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-24**
The psalmist declares that the righteousness of Christ, and the great salvation obtained thereby, shall be the chosen subject of his discourse. Not on a sabbath only, but on every day of the week, of the year, of his life. Not merely at stated returns of solemn devotion, but on every occasion, all the day long. Why will he always dwell on this? Because he knew not the numbers ...
Read full commentary →My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.</strong> David describes the internal and external dimensions of anticipated worship. "My lips shall greatly rejoice" (תְּרַנֵּנָּה שְׂפָתַי/<em>terannenah sefatai</em>) uses <em>ranan</em>, meaning to cry out, sing for joy, shout with gladness. This isn't somber, formal worship but exuberant celebr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **My lips** **shall . . .**—Rather, *my lips shall sing while I play to thee, i.e., *a hymn should accompany the harp. There is, therefore, no thought of the union of the bodily and spiritual powers in praise of God, though it is natural the verse should have suggested such an interpretation to the Fathers; and indeed the thought of the poet, if we read the whole psalm, with its retrospect of...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
13. (Compare Psa 2:4).
**seeth--**knows certainly.
**his day--**of punishment, long delayed, shall yet come (He 10:37).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-24**
The psalmist declares that the righteousness of Christ, and the great salvation obtained thereby, shall be the chosen subject of his discourse. Not on a sabbath only, but on every day of the week, of the year, of his life. Not merely at stated returns of solemn devotion, but on every occasion, all the day long. Why will he always dwell on this? Because he knew not the numbers ...
Read full commentary →My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.</strong> David's vowed praise extends beyond formal worship to continuous daily testimony. "My tongue also shall talk" (גַּם־לְשׁוֹנִי תֶּהְגֶּה/<em>gam-leshoni tehgeh</em>) uses <em>hagah</em>, meaning to meditate, mutter, speak, or declare. This is...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **My tongue.**—Comp. this with the conclusion of Psalms 35
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-15. sword, and ... bow--**for any instruments of violence.
**slay--**literally, "slaughter" (1Sa 25:11).
**poor and needy--**God's people (Psa 10:17; 12:5). The punishment of the wicked as drawn on themselves--often mentioned (compare Psa 7:15, 16; 35:8).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-24**
The psalmist declares that the righteousness of Christ, and the great salvation obtained thereby, shall be the chosen subject of his discourse. Not on a sabbath only, but on every day of the week, of the year, of his life. Not merely at stated returns of solemn devotion, but on every occasion, all the day long. Why will he always dwell on this? Because he knew not the numbers ...
Read full commentary →