Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 1. Be merciful unto me ] To show David's deep earnestness, he repeats this twice; he was in great danger, surrounded by implacable enemies, and he knew that God alone could deliver him.
My soul trusteth in thee ] I put my life into thy hand; and my immortal spirit knows no other portion than thyself.
In the shadow of thy wings ] A metaphor taken from the brood of a hen taking shelter under her wings when they see a bird of prey; and there they continue to hide themselves till their evemy disappears. In a storm, or tempest of rain, the mother covers them with her wings to afford them shelter and defense. This the psalmist has particularly in view, as the following words show: "Until these calamities be overpast."
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-6 - All David's dependence is upon God. The most eminent believers nee often repeat the publican's prayer, "God be merciful to me a sinner. But if our souls trust in the Lord, this may assure us, in our utmos dangers, that our calamities will at length be overpast, and in the mean time, by faith and prayer, we must make him our refuge. Though God be most high, yet he condescends so low, as to take care that all things are made to work for good to his people. This is a good reaso why we should pray earnestly. Look which way we will on this earth refuge fails, no help appears; but we may look for it from heaven. I we have fled from the wrath to come, unto Jesus Christ, he tha performed all things needful to purchase the salvation of his people will do for us and in us all things needful for our enjoyment of it. I made David droop to think there should be those that bore him so muc ill-will. But the mischief they designed against him, returned of themselves. And when David was in the greatest distress and disgrace he did not pray, Lord, exalt me, but, Lord, exalt thine own name. Ou best encouragement in prayer, is taken from the glory of God, and to that, more than to our own comfort, we should have regard in all ou petitions for mercy.
Original Hebrew למנצח5329 אל תשׁחת516 לדוד1732 מכתם4387 בברחו1272 מפני6440 שׁאול7586 במערה׃4631 חנני2603 אלהים430 חנני2603 כי3588 בך חסיה2620 נפשׁי5315 ובצל6738 כנפיך3671 אחסה2620 עד5704 יעבר5674 הוות׃1942
