Verse 11. "I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours …" Reproach is little thought of by those who are not called to endure it, but he who passes under its lash knows how deep its wounds. The best of men may have the bitterest of foes, and be subject to the most cruel taunts. "But especially among my neighbours," says David. We feel most the slights of those who should have shown us sympathy. Perhaps David's friends feared to be identified with his declining fortunes, and therefore turned against him in order to win the mercy, if not the favour of his opponents. Self interest rules the most of men: ties the most sacred are soon snapped by its influence. Afraid to be seen in the company of a man so thoroughly despised, those who once courted his society hastened from his as though he had been infected with the plague: – "They that did see me without fled from me."
C. H. Spurgeon
Verse 15. "My times are in thy hand …" When David had Saul at his mercy in the cave, those about him said, "This is the time in which God will deliver thee." (1st Sam. 24:4) "No," saith David, "The time is not come for my deliverance till it can be wrought without sin, and I will wait for that time; for it is God's time, and that is the best time."
Matthew Henry
Verse 15. "My times are in thy hands …" Our life on earth is under the constant strict observation of the Lord Jesus Christ. He knows when to turn the key and shut it up, – for He holds the keys of the unseen world and of death. If unconverted sinners would consider this, would they still dare to put off their salvation? Jesus sees how they react under every sermon they hear, and in every prayer wherein they join with others; how their hearts are moved or unmoved by every repeated call that is given to them to turn to God, and secure their peace by application of their Redeemer's reconciling blood. If they knew the knowledge of Christ, then, what pangs of trembling would they feel within themselves lest the key should turn before their great work be done?
John Howe
Verse 19. "Oh how great is thy goodness which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee …" As a good man will regulate his goodness towards others in such a way so as not to defraud his own children or family … so God, in like manner, in exercising his beneficence to aliens from his family, knows well how to reserve for His own children that which belongs to them – as it were, by hereditary right – that is to say, because of their Adoption.
John Calvin
Verse 19. "Oh how great is thy goodness which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee …" Mark the phrase, "Laid up for them." His mercy and goodness is intended for them, as a father that lays by such a sum of money, and writes on the bag, "This is a portion for such a child."
William Gurnall
Verse 20. "Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence …" As there are mysteries in the ways of God and providence, so there are mysteries in the things of our salvation. As God is a hidden God, so His people are a hidden people – not only for safety, but for secrecy: they are alive and yet dead; they have nothing and yet possess all things; they are not satisfied with the whole world, and yet are content with little; they abound in works of righteousness, and yet abhor all righteousness of works.
Philip Henry
Verse 24. "Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart …" O beloved, I may not mention the hills that lie before us in heaven's way which we must climb, and the craggy rocks that we must get over – the walls of Jerusalem are to be repaired, and the Temple re-edified: "Be of good courage," then, for without courage the work will never be accomplished. "Be of good courage, and the Lord will strengthen your heart."
Simon Ash
