1.
Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength.
(1) By thy name.—See Note, Psalms 20:1. (Comp. Isaiah 30:27.)
Judge me by thy strength—i.e., in Thy power see that justice is done me.
2.
Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.
3.
For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set God before them. Selah.
(3) For strangers.—This verse, with some variations, occurs again (Psalms 86:14); some MSS. even reading here “proud,” instead of “strangers.” With the received reading we must understand by the word “foreign oppressors”—though, doubtless, the inscription of the Psalm may be defended by taking the word in a derived sense of those Israelites who have degenerated, and so deserve the name “aliens.”
4.
Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul.
(4) With them . . .—Better, is a supporter of my life. So LXX. and Vulgate.
5.
He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth.
(5) Cut them off.—Or, put them to silence.
In thy truth.—Or, according to thy faithfulness.
6.
I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for it is good.
(6) I will freely sacrifice.—Better, I will offer a willing (or freewill) sacrifice.
For it is good.—Comp. Psalms 52:9.
7.
For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath seen his desire upon mine enemies.
(7) This verse does not actually state what has happened, but, according to a well-known Hebrew idiom should be rendered, When he shall have delivered, &c
Hath seen his desire.—Or, hath gloated on The Hebrews use the words seeing and looking very expressively, making the simple verb do almost what the eye itself can do: show hatred, love, triumph, defeat, wistfulness, disgust, &C (See Psalms 35:21; Psalms 52:6; Psalms 59:10; Psalms 92:11; Song of Solomon 6:13; &c)