O LORD our God, other lords beside thee have had dominion over us: but by thee only will we make mention of thy name.
(Other) lords - temporal; pagan kings (2 Corinthians 12:8; 28:5-6), Nebuchadnezzar, etc. Spiritual also, idols and lusts (Romans 6:16-18): and false prophets-Antichrist especially (Matthew 24:11; Matthew 24:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:9; John 5:43).
(But) by thee only - it is due to thee alone that we again worship thee as our Lord (Maurer). So "through thee" (Psalms 44:5; Psalms 60:12). '(We are) thine only; we will celebrate thy name' (Horsley). I prefer the former view. The sanctifying effect of affliction (Psalms 71:16; Psalms 119:67; Psalms 119:71).