Psalms 52
DOYLYVer. 1. Why boastest thou &c.] The Psalmist thought it strange that any man should value himself for being able to do mischief, when God esteemed it his glory to do good. In vain did Doeg the Edomite boast himself in the mischief he had done, by massacring the innocent priests and their families; since “the goodness of God,” which is unchangeable, had decreed the preservation of David. Bp. Horne.
Psalms 52:4
- — devouring words.] That is, such as are mischieved.
Psalms 52:8
- Make me to hear &c.] Renew the joy of my heart, in the comfortable assurance of thy forgiveness; that so my soul, which is now dejected and justly grieved for my sin, may find cause of rejoicing in Thee. Bp. Hall.
Psalms 52:11
-
Cast me not away &c.] The soul that is truly penitent dreads nothing but the thought of being rejected from the “presence” and deserted by the “Spirit” of God. This is the most deplorable effect of sin; but it is one that in general, perhaps, is the least considered and regarded of all others. Bp. Horne.
-
— and uphold me with thy free spirit. He prays to be preserved and continued in a state of salvation by the Spirit of God, which might enable him to act as became a Prophet and a king, free from base desires and enslaving lusts. Bp. Horne.
Psalms 52:14
- Deliver me from bloodguiltiness.] Deliver me from the punishment due to this crying sin, the murder of a trusty servant, and of several of my servants, 2 Sam. xi. 17. Bp. Patrick.
Psalms 52:16
- — thou desirest not sacrifice;] This is not to be understood absolutely and universally, as appears from ver. 19, but comparatively. See the note on Psalm xi. 6. Poole.
Psalms 52:18
- — build thou the walls of Jerusalem.] Be favourable to Jerusalem, and let its walls, which I have begun to build, 2 Sam. v. 9, be perfectly finished, 1 Kings in. 1. Bp. Patrick.
Psalms 52:19
- — sacrifices of righteousness.] That is, such sacrifices as are offered with true piety of heart. Rosenmüller.