Psa 109:21-30 | Clarke | e4.org | Verse 21. But do thou for me ] While they use horrible imprecations against me, and load me with their curses, act thou for me , and deliver me from their maledictions. While they curse , do thou bless . This verse is a farther proof of the correctness of the interpretation given above.

‏ Psalms 109:21-30

Verse 21. But do thou for me] While they use horrible imprecations against me, and load me with their curses, act thou for me, and deliver me from their maledictions. While they curse, do thou bless. This verse is a farther proof of the correctness of the interpretation given above.

Verse 22. I am poor and needy] I am afflicted and impoverished; and my heart is wounded-my very life is sinking through distress.

Verse 23. I am gone like the shadow] "I have walked like the declining shadow,"-I have passed my meridian of health and life; and as the sun is going below the horizon, so am I about to go under the earth.

I am tossed up and down as the locust.] When swarms of locusts take wing, and infest the countries in the east, if the wind happen to blow briskly, the swarms are agitated and driven upon each other, so as to appear to be heaved to and fro, or tossed up and down. Dr. Shaw, who has seen this, says it gives a lively idea of the comparisons of the psalmist.

Verse 24. My knees are weak through fasting] That hunger is as soon felt in weakening the knees, as in producing an uneasy sensation in the stomach, is known by all who have ever felt it. Writers in all countries have referred to this effect of hunger. Thus Tryphioderus Il. Excid. ver 155:-

τειρομενουβαρυθειενατερπειγουναταλιμω

"Their knees might fail, by hunger's force subdued;

And sink, unable to sustain their load."

MERRICK.

SO PLAUTUS, Curcul, act. ii., scen. 3:-

Tenebrae oboriuntur, genua inedia succidunt.

"My eyes grow dim; my knees are weak with hunger."

And LUCRETIUS, lib. iv. ver. 950:-

Brachia, palpebraeque cadunt, poplitesque procumbunt.

"The arms, the eyelids fall; the knees give way."

Both the knees and the sight are particularly affected by hunger.

Verse 25. When they looked upon me they soaked their heads.] Thus was David treated by Shimei, 2Sa 16:5, 6, and our blessed Lord by the Jews, Mt 27:39.

Verse 27. That they may know that this is thy hand] Let thy help be so manifest in my behalf, that they may see it is thy hand, and that thou hast undertaken for me. Or, if the words refer to the passion of our Lord, Let them see that I suffer not on my own account; "for the transgression of my people am I smitten."

Verse 28. Let them curse, but bless thou] See on Ps 109:20: Of the mode of interpretation recommended there, this verse gives additional proof.

Verse 29. Let them cover themselves] He here retorts their own curse, Ps 109:18.

Verse 30. I will greatly praise the Lord] I have the fullest prospect of deliverance, and a plenary vindication of my innocence.