This psalm was framed by David when obliged by Saul's persecution to hide himself in a cave, 1 Sam. 22:1 or 24:3. It contains, (1.) Bitter complaints of the subtilty, strength, and malice of his enemies, and of the coldness and indifference of his friends, ver. 1-4, 6. (2.) The comfort he took in God's knowing his way, and in recognizing his claim to God as his portion, ver. 3-5. (3.) His pleasant expectations that his God would deliver him, and that his fellow saints would join with him in thanksgiving for his deliverance, ver. 6-7.
If all men forsake me, if all men harass me, let me cast my burdens on the Lord, that he may sustain me. Let me renew my believing claims to him as my Lord, my God, my Refuge, and my Portion. Let me rest firmly on his characters and promises, for his sympathy, help, and deliverance.
1 Maschil of David; A Prayer when he was in the cave. I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication.
2 I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble.
3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.
4 I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.
5 I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.
6 Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.
7 Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.
1 I with my voice cry'd to the Lord,
with it made my request:
2 Pour'd out to him my plaint, to him
my trouble I exprest.
3 When in me was o'erwhelm'd my sp'rit,
then well thou knew'st my way;
Where I did walk a snare for me
they privily did lay.
4 I look'd on my right hand, and view'd,
but none to know me were;
All refuge failed me, no man
did for my soul take care.
5 I cry'd to thee; I said, Thou art
my refuge, Lord, alone;
And in the land of those that live
thou art my portion.
6 Because I am brought very low,
attend unto my cry:
Me from my persecutors save,
who stronger are than I.
7 From prison bring my soul, that I
thy name may glorify:
The just shall compass me, when thou
with me deal'st bounteously.
Unto thee, Lord the protector and defender of all them that trust in thy clemency, we cry, and put forth our sighs: Unto thee we open and expose the troubles of our hearts. Thou knowest our ways and distresses, and how on all parts we are circled and compassed with cruel and ungodly enemies. Deliver us, dear Father, from these troubles and dangers wherein we are: and declare the care thou hast of us that love and honour the: that we may in the midst of thy holy congregation, render thee perpetual thanks, and that through Jesus Christ, thy dear Son, our only Saviour.