Psalms 31:22 - Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Bible Comments

For I said in my haste - In my fear; my apprehension. The word rendered “haste” means properly that terror or alarm which causes one to flee, or to endeavor to escape. It is not “haste” in the sense of an opinion formed too quickly, or formed rashly; it is “haste” in the sense of terror leading to sudden flight, or an effort to escape. See an illustration of this idea in the case of David himself, in 1 Samuel 23:26.

I am cut off - That is, I shall certainly be cut off or destroyed.

From before thine eyes - Either, in thy very presence; or, so that I shall not be admitted into thy presence. I shall be cut down, and suffered no more to come before thee to worship thee. Compare the notes at Psalms 6:5.

Nevertheless thou heardest ... - Contrary to my apprehensions, I was heard and delivered. God’s mercy went beyond the psalmist’s faith - as it often does to His people now, far beyond what they hope for; far beyond what they even pray for; far beyond what they believe to be possible; so far beyond all this, as to make the result, as in the case of David Psalms 31:21, a matter of wonder and astonishment.

Psalms 31:22

22 For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.