I cannot begin this Psalm without first taking notice of the title. It is addressed to the chief musician. I have already thrown out my views of who this chief musician is. The next object is what it is upon: Jonath-elem-rechokim, which some translate the silent or peaceful dove not nigh. In the book of the Songs, Christ calleth his church by this name of Dove. Song of Solomon 2:14. The next observation is, that this Psalm is among the Michtams, that is, the golden sayings, such things as were very precious to him; and what could be equally precious to David with Christ, and the things which treat of him? If we keep these considerations in remembrance as we go through the Psalm, I conceive it will make the meditation of it sweet.
The Psalm opens with a general cry for grace in proportion to the enemy's violence. And were not the cries of Jesus strong in the days of his flesh? Did not Jesus, like the dove or the lamb, exercise dumbness, when the foe raged most clamorously? Isaiah 53:7.