Verse 5
5. Let the righteous smite me This is preferred to the “dainties” of the wicked, Psalms 141:4. Smiting, here, literally means beating as with a hammer, as Judges 5:26, Psalms 74:6; sharp reproof, as it is called in the next line.
Kindness Or, taking the word adverbially, Let the righteous smite me kindly. See the maxim Proverbs 27:6.
Excellent oil Literally, Oil of the head, and hence refined of excellent quality.
Not break my head Better, My head shall not refuse it. In Hebrew idiom equal to, “it shall cheer and refresh my head” diffuse joy and gladness, which answers to the figurative idea of anointing the head with oil. Psalms 23:5; Psalms 45:7; Luke 7:46. Or, taking נוא ( noh) in the sense of discourage, depress, as Numbers 32:7; Numbers 32:9, we may render: “It [the smiting reproof] shall not depress my head” not bow it down as if in sorrow or shame.
For yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities An ambiguous sentence. The word translated “calamities” may signify either affliction or wickedness. It is best to understand the psalmist as referring to his enemies, and render: “For yet my prayer also shall be against their wickedness;” that is, I return only prayer for their malice.
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