Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 4. My soul is among lions ] µabl űwtb bethoch lebaim. I agree with Dr. Kennicott that this should be translated, "My soul dwells in parched places," from bal laab, he thirsted. And thus the Chaldee seems to have understood the place, though it be not explicit.
I lie even among them that are set on fire ] I seem to be among coals. It is no ordinary rage and malice by which I am pursued: each of my enemies seems determined to have my life.
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 נפשׁי5315 בתוך8432 לבאם3833 אשׁכבה7901 להטים3857 בני1121 אדם120 שׁניהם8127 חנית2595 וחצים2671 ולשׁונם3956 חרב2719 חדה׃2299
