Maschil of David; A Prayer when he was in the cave.

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 I with my voice cried to the Lord,
with it made my request:
2 Poured out to him my plaint, to him
my trouble I expressed.

3 When in me was o’erwhelmed my sp’rit,
then well thou knew’st my way;
Where I did walk a snare for me
they privily did lay.

4 I looked on my right hand, and viewed,
but none to know me were;
All refuge failed me, no man
did for my soul take care.

5 I cried 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.