Part 39

54:19. He shall redeem my soul in peace from them that draw near to me: for among many they were with me.

Among many, etc. . .That is, they that drew near to attack me were many in company all combined to fight against me.

54:20. God shall hear, and the Eternal shall humble them. For there is no change with them, and they have not feared God:

54:21. He hath stretched forth his hand to repay. They have defiled his covenant,

54:22. They are divided by the wrath of his countenance, and his heart hath drawn near. His words are smoother than oil, and the same are darts.

They are divided, etc. . .Dispersed, scattered, and brought to nothing, by the wrath of God; who looks with indignation on their wicked and deceitful ways.

54:23. Cast thy care upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall not suffer the just to waver for ever.

54:24. But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction. Bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee, O Lord.

Psalms Chapter 55

Miserere mei, Deus.

A prayer of David in danger and distress.

55:1. Unto the end, for a people that is removed at a distance form the sanctuary: for David, for an inscription of a title (or pillar) when the Philistines held him in Geth.

55:2. Have mercy on me, O God, for man hath trodden me under foot; all the day long he hath afflicted me fighting against me.

55:3. My enemies have trodden on me all the day long; for they are many that make war against me.

55:4. From the height of the day I shall fear: but I will trust in thee.

The height of the day. . .That is, even at noonday, when the sun is the highest, I am still in danger.

55:5. In God I will praise my words, in God I have put my trust: I will not fear what flesh can do against me.

My words. . .The words or promises God has made in my favour.

55:6. All the day long they detested my words: all their thoughts were against me unto evil.

55:7. They will dwell and hide themselves: they will watch my heel. As they have waited for my soul,

55:8. For nothing shalt thou save them: in thy anger thou shalt break the people in pieces. O God,

For nothing shalt thou save them. . .That is, since they lie in wait to ruin my soul, thou shalt for no consideration favour or assist them, but execute thy justice upon them.

55:9. I have declared to thee my life: thou hast set me tears in thy sight, As also in thy promise.

55:10. Then shall my enemies be turned back. In what day soever I shall call upon thee, behold I know thou art my God.

55:11. In God will I praise the word, in the Lord will I praise his speech. In God have I hoped, I will not fear what man can do to me.

55:12. In me, O God, are vows to thee, which I will pay, praises to thee:

55:13. Because thou hast delivered my soul from death, my feet from falling: that I may please in the sight of God, in the light of the living.

Psalms Chapter 56