Verse 4
Run - To and fro, to receive Saul's commands, and to execute them with all speed.
Verse 5
The God - A God in covenant with all true Israelites, whom thou hast promised to protect and bless. The heathen - Or, these heathens, who though they are Israelites by birth; yet in their dispositions they are mere Heathens. Be not - For indeed thou canst not according to thy word, be merciful to such incorrigible offenders.
Verse 6
Return - Watching for me: which they did at this time all the night long, 1Sam 19:11. A dog - When he is pursuing his prey. Go round - When they did not find him in his own house, they sought for him in other parts of the city.
Verses 7–9
Pour out - Sharp and bitter word's, abundantly and vehemently, as a fountain doth waters, as this word signifies. Swords - Words as keen and mischievous as swords. For who - David doth not hear us, and God either doth not hear, or not regard what we say.
Verse 10
Prevent - Thou wilt help me sooner than I expect.
Verse 11
My people - Over whom thou hast appointed me to be governor in due time. Forget - Their former danger, and thy glorious mercy in delivering them. Scatter - Let them wander from place to place, that they may carry the tokens of thy justice, and their own shame to all places.
Verse 12
Pride - For their proud and insolent speeches against thee. Lying - For their execrations and lying reports, which they have spread concerning me.
Verses 13–17
Not be - In the land of the living any more.