Verse 2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Light — My counsellor in all my difficulties, and my comforter and deliverer in all my distresses. Strength — The supporter and preserver of my life.
Verse 3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. In this — That God is my light.
Verse 4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. Dwell. … — Have opportunity of constant attendance upon God. To behold — That there I may delight myself, in the contemplation of thy amiable and glorious majesty, and of thy infinite wisdom, holiness, justice, truth, and mercy.
Verse 5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. The secret — In his tabernacle, into which mine enemies cannot come. He alludes to the ancient custom of offenders, who used to flee to the tabernacle or altar. Rock — A place high and inaccessible.
Verse 9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. Away — From thy face or presence, or from the place of thy worship.
Verse 11 Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. Because of — That I may neither fall into their hands by my folly, nor give them any occasion of triumphing over me.
Verse 13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. The living — David was thus earnestly desirous of this mercy in this life, not because he placed his portion in these things; but because the truth and glory of God, were highly concerned in making good the promise of the kingdom to him.