The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 52:1-9

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

EXPOSITION

HERE, again, the title is the best guide to the origin, intent, and authorship of the psalm. It is ascribed to David, and said to have been written on the occasion when Doeg the Edomite acquainted Saul with the fact of David's visit to Ahimelech the priest, recorded in 1 Samuel 21:1-9. This information led to a fearful massacre, in which Doeg himself took the chief part (1 Samuel 22:11-19). The bitterness of feeling displayed in the psalm is thus accounted for.

Metrically, the psalm seems to consist of three strophes, extending respectively to four, three, and two verses. In the first strophe Doeg's wickedness is set forth (1 Samuel 21:1-4); in the second (1 Samuel 21:5-7), he is threatened with God's vengeance; in the third (1 Samuel 21:8, 1 Samuel 21:9), David thanks God for the vengeance which he has executed, and declares his intention always to trust in him.

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Matthew Henry on Psalms 52:1-5Psalms 52:1-5 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryThose that glory in sin, glory in their shame. The patience and forbearance of God are abused by sinners, to the hardening of their hearts in their wicked ways. But the enemies in vain boast in their mischief, while we…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 52:1Psalms 52:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryWhy boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? Doeg was "the chiefest of the herdmen that belonged to Saul" (1 Samuel 21:7), or, according to another passage (1 Samuel 22:9), "set over the servants of Saul." The p…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 52:1-9Psalms 52:1-9 · The Pulpit CommentaryA betrayer. The "mighty man" might have been Doeg or some other who had gained notoriety as a betrayer. I. THE ODIOUSNESS OF HIS CHARACTER. It is marked by deceitfulness. Craft and lying are the tools of the betrayer. H…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 52:1-9Psalms 52:1-9 · The Pulpit Commentary"This psalm is A stern upbraiding addressed to the man who, unscrupulous in the exercise of his power, and proud of his wealth, finds his delight in all the arts of the practised liar." I. THE ARROGANCE OF A WICKED MAN…

commentaryMatthew Henry on Psalms 52:1-5Those that glory in sin, glory in their shame. The patience and forbearance of God are abused by sinners, to the hardening of their hearts in their wicked ways. But the enemies in vain boast in their mischief, while we…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 52:1Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? Doeg was "the chiefest of the herdmen that belonged to Saul" (1 Samuel 21:7), or, according to another passage (1 Samuel 22:9), "set over the servants of Saul." The p…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 52:1-9"This psalm is A stern upbraiding addressed to the man who, unscrupulous in the exercise of his power, and proud of his wealth, finds his delight in all the arts of the practised liar." I. THE ARROGANCE OF A WICKED MAN…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 52:1-9A betrayer. The "mighty man" might have been Doeg or some other who had gained notoriety as a betrayer. I. THE ODIOUSNESS OF HIS CHARACTER. It is marked by deceitfulness. Craft and lying are the tools of the betrayer. H…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 52:2Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; or, malignities—evils of the worst kind. It was Doeg's "tongue" that brought about the entire ghastly massacre (see 1 Samuel 22:9, 1 Samuel 22:10). Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 52:3Thou lovest evil more than good. To "love evil" is to have reached the lowest depth of depravity. It is to say, with Milton's Satan, "Evil, be thou my good!" And lying rather than to speak righteousness (see the comment…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 52:4Thou lovest all devouring words. "Devouring words" are words that cause ruin and destruction. O thou deceitful tongue! or, and the deceitful tongue.Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 52:5God shall likewise destroy thee for ever. As thy "devouring words" have been the destruction of many, so shall God, in return, "destroy thee" (literally, pull thee down) "for ever"—destroy thee, i.e; with a complete and…Joseph S. Exell and contributors