For the enemy hath persecuted my soul. "The enemy" may be Saul, but is more probably an abstract expression—for "my enemies" generally. He hath smitten my life down to the ground; or, "crushed my life to the ground"—brought me, i.
e; very low (comp. Psalms 42:6). He hath made me to dwell in darkness (comp. Psalms 88:6). As those that have been long dead. I have dwelt in a darkness like that of Sheol; i.e. in gloom and unhappiness (comp.