Then That is, of old; thou spakest in vision Which then was the usual way by which God spake to the prophets; to thy Holy One To thy holy prophets, the singular number being put for the plural; especially to Samuel and Nathan; for part of the following message was delivered to the former: and part to the latter; I have laid help upon one that is mighty I have provided help and relief for my people through a person of singular courage and wisdom, whom I have properly qualified for so great an undertaking. I have exalted one chosen out of the people
One whom I have singled out as the fittest of all others for the kingly office. I have found David my servant In saying I have found, God speaks after the manner of men, to intimate the great scarcity of such persons and the difficulty of finding them; with my holy oil I have anointed him Both with material oil, (1 Samuel 16:13; 2 Samuel 5:3,) and with the gifts and graces of my Holy Spirit, which are often signified by oil or unction, as Psalms 45:7, compared with Isaiah 61:1; 1 John 2:20; 1 John 2:27. With whom my hand shall be established That is, constantly abide to protect and assist him. The enemy shall not exact upon him Not conquer him to make him tributary. Hebrew, לא ישׁיא, lo jashi, shall not deceive, or circumvent him, as this word is often rendered; nor the son of wickedness afflict him Namely, so as to overthrow or destroy him.