Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 2. A horrible pit ] Literally, the sounding pit; where nothing was heard except the howlings of wild beasts, or the hollow sounds of winds reverberated and broken from the craggy sides and roof.
The miry clay ] Where the longer I stayed the deeper I sank, and was utterly unable to save myself. The Syriac and Arabic translate "The pit of perdition, and the mud of corruption." These are figurative expressions to point out the dreary, dismal, ruinous state of sin and guilt, and the utter inability of a condemned sinner to save himself either from the guilt of his conscience, or the corruption of his heart.
Set my feet upon a rock ] Thou hast changed my state from guilt to pardon; from corruption to holiness; in consequence of which my goings are established. I have now power over all sin, and can walk steadily in the way that leads to God's kingdom.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-5 - Doubts and fears about the eternal state, are a horrible pit and mir clay, and have been so to many a dear child of God. There is powe enough in God to help the weakest, and grace enough to help the unworthiest of all that trust in him. The psalmist waited patiently; he continued believing, hoping, and praying. This is applicable to Christ His agony, in the garden and on the cross, was a horrible pit and mir clay. But those that wait patiently for God do not wait in vain. Thos that have been under religious melancholy, and by the grace of God have been relieved, may apply ver. #(2) very feelingly to themselves; the are brought up out of a horrible pit. Christ is the Rock on which poor soul can alone stand fast. Where God has given stedfast hope, he expects there should be a steady, regular walk and conduct. God fille the psalmist with joy, as well as peace in believing. Multitudes, by faith beholding the sufferings and glory of Christ, have learned to fear the justice and trust in the mercy of God through Him. Many ar the benefits with which we are daily loaded, both by the providence an by the grace of God.
Original Hebrew ויעלני5927 מבור953 שׁאון7588 מטיט2916 היון3121 ויקם6965 על5921 סלע5553 רגלי7272 כונן3559 אשׁרי׃838
