1.

Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.

1. in thy faithfulness . . . and . . . righteousness—or, God's regard to the claims which He has permitted His people to make in His covenant.

2.

And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.

2. enter . . . judgment—deal not in strict justice.
shall no . . . justified—or, "is no man justified," or "innocent" (Job 14:3; Romans 3:20).

3.

For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.

3, 4. The exciting reason for his prayer—his afflictions—led to confession as just made: he now makes the complaint.
as those that have been long dead—deprived of life's comforts (compare Psalms 40:15; Psalms 88:3-6).

4.

Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.

5.

I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.

5, 6. The distress is aggravated by the contrast of former comfort (), for whose return he longs.
a thirsty land—which needs rain, as did his spirit God's gracious visits (Psalms 28:1; Psalms 89:17).

6.

I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.

7.

Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.

7. spirit faileth—is exhausted.

8.

Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.

8. (Compare Psalms 25:1-4; Psalms 59:16).
the way . . . walk—that is, the way of safety and righteousness (Psalms 59:16).

9.

Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me.

9. (Compare ).

10.

Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

10. (Compare Psalms 5:8; Psalms 27:11).
land of uprightness—literally, "an even land" (Psalms 27:11).

11.

Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble.

11. (Compare Psalms 23:3; Psalms 119:156).

12.

And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.

12. God's mercy to His people is often wrath to His and their enemies (compare ).
thy servant—as chosen to be such, entitled to divine regard.