1<A Psalm. Of David.> Let my prayer come to you, O Lord; give ear to my requests for your grace; keep faith with me, and give me an answer in your righteousness; 2Let not your servant come before you to be judged; for no man living is upright in your eyes. 3The evil man has gone after my soul; my life is crushed down to the earth: he has put me in the dark, like those who have long been dead. 4Because of this my spirit is overcome; and my heart is full of fear. 5I keep in mind the early days of the past, giving thought to all your acts, even to the work of your hands. 6My hands are stretched out to you: my soul is turned to you, like a land in need of water. (Selah.) 7Be quick in answering me, O Lord, for the strength of my spirit is gone: let me see your face, so that I may not be like those who go down into the underworld. 8Let the story of your mercy come to me in the morning, for my hope is in you: give me knowledge of the way in which I am to go; for my soul is lifted up to you. 9O Lord, take me out of the hands of my haters; my soul is waiting for you. 10Give me teaching so that I may do your pleasure; for you are my God: let your good Spirit be my guide into the land of righteousness. 11Give me life, O Lord, because of your name; in your righteousness take my soul out of trouble. 12And in your mercy put an end to my haters, and send destruction on all those who are against my soul; for I am your servant.
Matthew Henry's Commentary
David complains of his enemies and distresses. (1-6) He prays for comfort, guidance, and deliverance. (7-12) 1-6 We have no righteousness of our own to plead, therefore must plead God's righteousness, and the word of promise which he has freely given us, and caused us to hope in. David, before he prays for the removal of his trouble, prays for the pardon of his sin, and depends upon mercy alone for it. He bemoans the weight upon his mind from outward troubles. But he looks back, and remembers God's former appearance for his afflicted people, and for him in particular. He looks round, and notices the works of God. The more we consider the power of God, the less we shall fear the face or force of man. He looks up with earnest desires towards God and his favour. This is the best course we can take, when our spirits are overwhelmed. The believer will not forget, that in his best actions he is a sinner. Meditation and prayer will recover us from distresses; and then the mourning soul strives to return to the Lord as the infant stretches out its hands to the indulgent mother, and thirsts for his consolations as the parched ground for refreshing rain. 7-12 David prays that God would be well pleased with him, and let him know that he was so. He pleads the wretchedness of his case, if God withdrew from him. But the night of distress and discouragement shall end in a morning of consolation and praise. He prays that he might be enlightened with the knowledge of God's will; and this is the first work of the Spirit. A good man does not ask the way in which is the most pleasant walking, but what is the right way. Not only show me what thy will is, but teach me how to do it. Those who have the Lord for their God, have his Spirit for their Guide; they are led by the Spirit. He prays that he might be enlivened to do God's will. But we should especially seek the destruction of our sins, our worst enemies, that we may be devotedly God's servants.