Verse 1
Of hosts - Under whose command are all the hosts of heaven and earth, angels and men, and all other creatures.
Verse 2
Ashamed - Disappointed of my hope.
Verse 3
Cause - Without any provocation of mine.
Verses 4–7
Teach - Teach me my duty, and cause me to keep close to it, notwithstanding all temptations.
Verse 8
Upright - Holy and true, in all his declarations and offers of mercy to sinners. Therefore - He will not be wanting to such poor sinners as I am, but will guide them into the way of life and peace.
Verse 9
The meek - Such as meekly submit themselves to God, and are desirous to be directed and governed by him. Judgment - In the paths of judgment, in the right way.
Verse 10
Paths - All the dealings of God with them, yea even those that are afflictive, are done in kindness and faithfulness to them.
Verse 11
For - Or, though (as this particle is often rendered) it be great. Possibly he speaks of his sin against Uriah and Bathsheba. Great - Or, much or manifold. For the Hebrew word signifies both great and much.
Verse 12
Chuse - Which God appointeth.
Verse 13
At ease - Heb. in Good; in the possession and enjoyment of the true good. The land - Canaan; which was given as an earnest of the whole Covenant of Grace, and all its promises.
Verse 14
The secret - His love and favour, which is called his secret, Job 29:4 Prov 3:32, because it is known to none but him that enjoyeth it. Will shew - He will make them clearly to understand it, both its duties and its blessings; neither of which ungodly men rightly understand.
Verses 15–19
Pluck - He will deliver me out of all my troubles.
Verses 20–21
Soul - My life.
Verse 22
Israel - If thou wilt not help me, yet spare thy people who suffer for my sake, and in my sufferings.