1.
I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication.
Title. Maschil = Instruction. See App-65 .
of David = by David.
when . . . cave. Adullam (1 Samuel 22:1 ) or En-gedi (1 Samuel 24:3 ). The last of eight Psalms referring to this subject.
the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .
2.
I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble.
3.
When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.
spirit. Hebrew. ruach. App-9 .
was overwhelmed = fainted. Hebrew = was darkened. Compare Psalms 77:3 ; Psalms 107:5 ; Psalms 143:4 . Elsewhere only Jonah 2:8 , and Lamentations 2:12 .
then = then [I remembered] Thou knewest, &c.
4.
I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.
beheld. Supply Ellipsis: "beheld [on my left hand], but", &c.
know = regard, or recognize.
my soul = me (emphatic). Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .
5.
I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.
the land of the living. See note on Ezekiel 26:20 .
6.
Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.
persecutors = pursuers.
7.
Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.