Psalms 109:1 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

PSALM 109 THE ARGUMENT It is sufficiently evident from the body of this Psalm, that it was composed by David when he was in a state of persecution, either by Saul or by Absalom; and that amongst and above all the rest of his enemies he takes very particular notice of, and breaks forth into vehement expressions of anger against one particular person which whether it were Doeg or Ahithophel is not certain, nor at all necessary to know. But as David was, and very well knew himself to be, a type of Christ, and consequently his enemies did typify or represent the enemies of Christ, and this particular adversary of his did represent some singular and eminent enemy of Christ, which though David might not, yet the Spirit of God which indited this Psalm did, know to be Judas, and accordingly directed all these bitter invectives and imprecations against him, who deserved and received far worse punishments for his monstrous wickedness than all which are here mentioned. And that he was the person principally aimed at in this Psalm, will seem very probable to him who considers David's mild and merciful temper even towards his enemies, which he both professed in words in this very book, as Psalms 35:12,14, and practised in deeds, as 2 Samuel 16:10,11 2 Samuel 19:22,23, and withal the severity of these imprecations, reaching not only to the persons of his enemies but to their children, who yet by the law of God were not to suffer for their parents sins, Deuteronomy 24:16. David, complaining of his false accusers, who requited him evil for good, devoteth them and their children to all misery and oblivion, Psalms 109:1-15, because of their unmercifulness and cruelty, Psalms 109:16-20; showeth his great affliction, prayeth for deliverance, and promiseth thankfulness, Psalms 109:21-31. Hold not thy peace; do not neglect me, but take notice of my extreme danger and misery, and deliver me, which thou canst do by the speaking of one word. O God of my praise; the author and matter of all my praises; who hast given me continual occasion to praise thee, whom I have used to praise, and will praise whilst I live; do not therefore now give me occasion to turn my praises into lamentations.