Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; or, malignities — evils of the worst kind. It was Doeg's "tongue" that brought about the entire ghastly massacre (see 1 Samuel 22:9 , 1 Samuel 22:10 ). Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Doeg had "worked deceitfully," since he had not told Saul the circumstances that made Ahimelech's giving aid to David no disloyalty to the king ( 1 Samuel 21:2 , 1 Samuel 21:8 ). The suppressio veri is a suggestio falsi. read more
Why boastest thou thyself in Mischief? - Why dost thou “exult” in that which is wrong? Why dost thou find pleasure in evil rather than in good? Why dost thou seek to triumph in the injury done to others? The reference is to one who prided himself on schemes and projects which tended to injure others; or who congratulated himself on the success which attended his efforts to wrong other people.O mighty man - DeWette and Luther render this, “tyrant.” The original word would be properly applied to... read more
Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs - The word rendered “mischiefs” means(a) desire, cupidity: Proverbs 10:3; then(b) fall, ruin, destruction, wickedness: Psalms 5:9; Psalms 38:12.The meaning here is, that he made use of his tongue to ruin others. Compare Psalms 50:19. The particular thing referred to here is the fact that Doeg sought the ruin of others by giving “information” in regard to them. He “informed” Saul of what Ahimelech had done; he informed him where David had been, thus giving him,... read more
Psalms 52:1. Why boastest thou thyself &c. As if thou hadst done a great exploit, which none else durst undertake; and thereby established the crown upon Saul’s head, and thyself in his favour; and frustrated all David’s designs, by striking a terror into all his friends, by this sad example; O mighty man? He speaks ironically. O valiant captain! O glorious action! To kill a few weak and unarmed persons in the king’s presence, and under the protection of his guards. Surely thy name... read more
Psalms 52:2. Thy tongue deviseth mischief That is, expresses what thy wicked mind had devised. Thus skilfulness is ascribed to those hands which are governed by a skilful man, Psalms 78:72. Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully Wherewith a person, pretending only to shave off the hair, doth suddenly and unexpectedly cut a man’s throat. So Doeg, pretending only to vindicate himself from the imputation of disloyalty, 1 Samuel 22:8, really intended to expose the priests, who were friends... read more
Psalms 52-54 Those who act treacherouslyWhen David fled from Saul he obtained urgently needed provisions from the priests at Nob (1 Samuel 21:1-9). He was seen by Doeg, an Edomite and a servant of Saul, who reported the matter to Saul. In a typical fit of mad vengeance, Saul ordered Doeg to kill all the priests at Nob, something that Doeg was very willing to do (1 Samuel 22:6-23). On hearing of Doeg’s butchery, David wrote a poem against him, which has been preserved in the Bible as Psalms 52:0... read more
Title. Maschil= Instruction. The fifth of thirteen so named. See note on Title, Psalms 32:0 , and App-65 . when Doeg, &c. See notes on 1 Samuel 21:7 ; 1 Samuel 22:18 . See note on Mahalath, in sub-scription at end of Psalms 52:9 . Why boastest . . . ? Relating to Doeg's treachery. mighty man. Hebrew. gibbor. App-14 . = tyrant; Septuagint = mighty lawless one. It is prophetic, and a type of Antichrist. goodness = lovingkindness, or grace. GOD . Hebrew El. App-4 . continually = all... read more
mischiefs = malignity. Plural for singular = a great malignity. read more
PSALM 52SAINT AND SINNER CONTRASTEDThe superscription for this psalm has this:`For the Chief Musician. Maschil of David; when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said unto him, David is come to the house of Abimelech.'Contrary to some current critical opinion, there is absolutely nothing in this psalm that does not fit the scandalous conduct of Doeg the Edomite as the occasion that prompted the writing of it.Oh yes, Addis wrote that, "(1) The reference to the Temple (Psalms 52:8), and (2)... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 52:1-9
"This psalm is A stern upbraiding addressed to the man who, unscrupulous in the exercise of his power, and proud of his wealth, finds his delight in all the arts of the practised liar." I. THE ARROGANCE OF A WICKED MAN IN WORLDLY POWER . 1 . He boasts of the evil which he does. He is not ashamed of his wickedness. 2 . He is bent upon ever new forms of mischief. Works deceitfully, and not openly, and his tongue, as the instrument of his mind, is ever... read more