@Ps 52:1-9. Compare @1Sa 21:1-10 22:1-10, for the history of the title. @Ps 52:1 gives the theme; the boast of the wicked over the righteous is vain, for God constantly cares for His people. This is expanded by describing the malice and deceit, and then the ruin, of the wicked, and the happy state of the pious.
1. mighty man--literally, "hero." Doeg may be thus addressed, ironically, in respect of his might in slander.
2. tongue--for self.
mischiefs--evil to others (@Ps 5:9 38:12).
working deceitfully--(@Ps 10:7), as a keen, smoothly moving
razor, cutting quietly, but deeply.
4. all-devouring--literally, "swallowing," which utterly destroy (compare @Ps 21:9 35:25).
5. likewise--or, "so," "also," as you have done to others God will do to you (@Ps 18:27). The following terms describe the most entire ruin.
6. shall . . . fear--regard with religious awe.
laugh at him--for his folly;
7. for trusting in riches and being strong in "wickedness."
wickedness--literally, "mischief" (@Ps 52:2), instead of trusting
in God.
the man--literally, "the mighty man," or "hero"
(@Ps 52:1).
8. The figure used is common (@Ps 1:3 Jer 11:16).
green--fresh.
house, &c.--in communion with God (compare @Ps 27:4,5).
for ever and ever--qualifies "mercy."
9. hast done--that is, what the context supplies, "preserved me"
(compare @Ps 22:31).
wait . . . name--hope in Thy perfections, manifested for my good
(@Ps 5:11 20:1).
for it is good--that is, Thy name, and the whole method or result
of its manifestation (@Ps 54:6 69:16).