Prayer to God to manifest his favour. (1–8)
The great wickedness and treachery of his (9–15)
enemies.
He is sure that God would in due time (16–23)
appear for him.Verses 1–8
In these verses we have, 1. David praying. Prayer is a salve for every sore, and a relief to the
spirit under every burden. 2. David weeping. Griefs are thus, in some measure, lessened, while
those increase that have no vent given them. David in great alarm. We may well suppose him to
be so, upon the breaking out of Absalom's conspiracy, and the falling away of the people. Horror
overwhelmed him. Probably the remembrance of his sin in the matter of Uriah added much to the
terror. When under a guilty conscience we must mourn in our complaint, and even strong believers
have for a time been filled with horror. But none ever was so overwhelmed as the holy Jesus, when
it pleased the Lord to put him to grief, and to make his soul an offering for our sins. In his agony
he prayed more earnestly, and was heard and delivered; trusting in him, and following him, we
shall be supported under, and carried through all trials. See how David was weary of the treachery
and ingratitude of men, and the cares and disappointments of his high station: he longed to hide
himself in some desert from the fury and fickleness of his people. He aimed not at victory, but rest;
a barren wilderness, so that he might be quiet. The wisest and best of men most earnestly covet
peace and quietness, and the more when vexed and wearied with noise and clamour. This makes
death desirable to a child of God, that it is a final escape from all the storms and tempests of this
world, to perfect and everlasting rest.
Verses 9–15
No wickedness so distresses the believer, as that which he witnesses in those who profess to
be of the church of God. Let us not be surprised at the corruptions and disorders of the church on
earth, but long to see the New Jerusalem. He complains of one that had been very industrious against
him. God often destroys the enemies of the church by dividing them. And an interest divided against
itself cannot long stand. The true Christian must expect trials from professed friends, from those
with whom he has been united; this will be very painful; but by looking unto Jesus we shall be
enabled to bear it. Christ was betrayed by a companion, a disciple, an apostle, who resembled
Ahithophel in his crimes and doom. Both were speedily overtaken by Divine vengeance. And this
prayer is a prophecy of the utter, the everlasting ruin, of all who oppose and rebel against the
Messiah.
Verses 16–23
In every trial let us call upon the Lord, and he will save us. He shall hear us, and not blame us
for coming too often; the oftener the more welcome. David had thought all were against him; but
now he sees there were many with him, more than he supposed; and the glory of this he gives to