So and more also do God unto the enemies of David, if I leave of all that [pertain] to him by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall.
Ver. 22. So and more also do God unto the enemies of David,] i.e., To David's self, say some, whom yet he was loath to curse, by an euphemismus: and so the Septuagint rendereth it. This was a rash vow, and not usual with David. We may say as much, and more, in excuse of it, as the historian doth of King Alphonsus, that he never swore any oath but by his father's bones; Et quidem rarenter et ob causam, and that but now and then, and for some cause.
If I leave of all that pertain to him.] So rough and rash was David in a resolution of revenge:
“ Tantae ne animis coelestibus irae? ”
Men do in anger they know not what; such a smoke it raiseth; like as when fire is put to wet straw and filthy stuff. "Cease therefore from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil." Psa 37:8
Any that pisseth against the wall.] Dog or cat, as we say: Canem in hoc oppido non relinquam, I will not leave a dog alive in this town, said Aurelian, the emperor, concerning Tyane, which had shut her gates upon him. a
a Vopiscus, in Aureliano.