Psalms 14
DOYLYVer. 2. — shall I take counsel in my soul.] That is, Shall I be perplexed in my soul, not knowing which way to turn? Bp. Horne.
Psalms 14:3
- — lighten mine eyes, &c.] Give me wisdom to find out proper measures for my safety, and cheer my spirits; lest I die with grief, or my enemy destroy me. Dr. Wells.
Psalms 14:4
- — when I am moved.] Or overcome by them. Dr. Wells.
It is observable, that this, and many other Psalms with a mournful beginning, have a triumphant ending; to shew us the prevailing power of devotion, and to convince us that prayer brings with it the comforts of heaven, and revives our weary spirits, in the gloomy seasons of sorrow and temptation. Bp. Horne.
Psalm XIV. David here complains of the impiety and general corruption of the people who had led the Israelites into captivity; describes their terrours; and begs of God to bring back his captive people to their own land. Green.
Ver. 2. The Lord looked down &c.] Contrary to the opinion of the wicked, the Lord has all along “looked down from heaven upon the children of men.” Dr. Wells.
- — eat up my people as they eat bread.] That is, cruelly devour my people without fear or remorse. Bp. Hall.
Psalms 14:5
- There were they in great fear: &c.] In the parallel place, Ps. liii. 5, after the words, “There were they in great fear,” are added these, “where no fear was;” which certainly connect better with what follows, “for God is in the generation of the righteous.” David is supposed to be speaking primarily of Israel’s defection from him to Absalom, and here to be assigning the motive of that defection in many, namely, fear of the rebels’ growing power, and distrust of his ability to
heaven upon the children of men, b to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. b Rom. 3. 10.