Psalms 17:2
2. sentence—acquitting judgment.
from thy presence—Thy tribunal. things that are equal—just and right, do Thou regard.Psalms 18:2
2, 3. The various terms used describe God as an object of the most implicit and reliable trust.
rock—literally, "a cleft rock," for concealment. strength—a firm, immovable rock. horn of my salvation—The horn, as the means of attack or defense of some of the strongest animals, is a frequent emblem of power or strength efficiently exercised (compare De 33:17; Lu 1:69). tower—literally, "high place," beyond reach of danger.Psalms 18:50
49, 50. Paul (Ro 15:9) quotes from this doxology to show that under the Old Testament economy, others than the Jews were regarded as subjects of that spiritual government of which David was head, and in which character his deliverances and victories were typical of the more illustrious triumphs of David's greater Son. The language of Ps 18:50 justifies this view in its distinct allusion to the great promise (compare 2Sa 7:12). In all David's successes he saw the pledges of a fulfilment of that promise, and he mourned in all his adversities, not only in view of his personal suffering, but because he saw in them evidences of danger to the great interests which were committed to his keeping. It is in these aspects of his character that we are led properly to appreciate the importance attached to his sorrows and sufferings, his joys and successes.
Psalms 20:6
6. He speaks as if suddenly assured of a hearing.
his anointed—not only David personally, but as the specially appointed head of His Church. his holy heaven—or, literally, "the heavens of His holiness," where He resides (Ps 2:6; 11:4). saving . . . hand—His power which brings salvation.Psalms 23:3
3. To restore the soul is to revive or quicken it (Ps 19:7), or relieve it (La 1:11, 19).
paths of righteousness—those of safety, as directed by God, and pleasing to Him. for his name's sake—or, regard for His perfections, pledged for His people's welfare.Psalms 25:21
21. In conscious innocence of the faults charged by his enemies, he confidently commits his cause to God. Some refer—
integrity, &c.—to God, meaning His covenant faithfulness. This sense, though good, is an unusual application of the terms.