Verse 2
2. Out of the mouth of babes The Hebrew denotes a child in general, whether infant proper, or, more commonly, one that can “ask bread,” (Lamentations 4:4,) or play in the street, (Jeremiah 6:11; Jeremiah 9:21.)
Sucklings A child under three years, the period of nursing by Hebrew mothers. 2Ma 7:27 .
Ordained Literally, laid the foundation, shows clearly the children here meant are able to speak, and receive some elemental knowledge. Compare Matthew 11:25.
Strength We must retain the sense of power, might, and not praise, as some interpreters, but which the Hebrew will not bear. The antithesis, the apparent paradox, lies between the proverbial impotence of children and their being chosen of God to oppose and overthrow the powers of this world. See Matthew 21:16. This is not to be taken figuratively, as in 1 Corinthians 1:27, but literally; childhood’s faith and piety shall confound infidelity.
That thou mightest still That thou mightest cause to cease, or put to silence.
Enemy and the avenger “Those meant are the fierce and calumniating opponents of revelation.” Delitzsch. The “avenger” is one that is inspirited to cursing and vengeance. This verse implies a knowledge of human enmity against God, and of the divine ways with men, which indicate an experienced age in the author.
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