Psalms 89:22 - Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Bible Comments

The enemy shall not exact upon him - The literal meaning here is derived from the force sometimes used in extorting or demanding a debt, where no indulgence is shown, but where it is exacted to the last mite, whether the man is able to pay it or not. Compare Matthew 18:25, Matthew 18:28. Then it is used to denote oppression, or subjugation, which is the idea here. The enemy shall not be suffered to act the part of one who rigidly exacts the payment of a debt; that is, he shall not be allowed to oppress him.

Nor the son of wickedness afflict him - This is copied almost literally from 2 Samuel 7:10. The phrase “the son of wickedness” means simply the wicked. He shall not fall into the hands, or under the power of wicked men.

Psalms 89:22

22 The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him.