And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies. In thy goodness towards me, remove those enemies whose conduct towards me has been described in Psalms 143:3, Psalms 143:4. And destroy all them that afflict my soul. This is David's ordinary prayer with respect to his enemies, whom be counts as God's adversaries, and the persecutors of faithful Israel (see Psalms 5:10; Psalms 7:9; Psalms 10:15; Psalms 28:4, Psalms 28:5; Psalms 35:4-6, Psalms 35:8, etc.). For I am thy servant. Entitled, therefore, to thy special care and protection (comp. Psalms 27:9; Psalms 69:17; Psalms 86:2, Psalms 86:4, Psalms 86:16; Psalms 116:16, etc.).
HOMILETICS