EXPOSITION
THIS psalm has been assigned to Jeremiah by Hitzig, and by others to an unknown writer of the seventh century b.c. But no solid grounds have been shown for setting aside the traditionary evidence of the "title," which ascribes it to David. It is Davidic in its depth of feeling, in its abrupt transitions (verses 9, 15, 20), and in its reference to a faithless friend, who is the chief cause of the writer's sufferings (verses 12-14, 20, 21; comp. Psalms 41:9). The Davidic authorship is accepted by Hengstenberg, Dr. Kay, and Canon Cook. The probable date of the psalm is the time of Absalom's rebellion. David, still a dweller at Jerusalem (verses 9-11), has become aware of the conspiracy which has been formed against him (verses 3-8), and of the participation in it of his "familiar friend," Ahithophel (verses 12-14). He is already contemplating flight from Jerusalem (verses 6-8), since he knows that his enemies seek his life (verse 4). Under these circumstances, he pours out his soul to God, first depicting in eight verses (verses 1-8) his desperate condition and longing for deliverance; then, in seven verses (verses 9-15), describing the prevailing wickedness and ungodliness; and finally, in eight verses (verses 16-23), giving vent to a feeling of confidence that God will come to his aid in answer to his earnest prayers," afflict" his enemies, and rescue him from their hands.