Let death, etc… This, and such like imprecations which occur in the psalms, are delivered prophetically; that is, by way of foretelling the punishments which shall fall upon the wicked from divine justice, and approving the righteous ways of God: but not by way of ill will, or uncharitable curses, which the law of God disallows.
54:17. But I have cried to God: and the Lord will save me.
54:18. Evening and morning, and at noon I will speak and declare: and he shall hear my voice.
54:19. He shall redeem my soul in peace from them that draw near to me: for among many they were with me.
Among many, etc… That is, they that drew near to attack me were many in company all combined to fight against me.
54:20. God shall hear, and the Eternal shall humble them. For there is no change with them, and they have not feared God:
54:21. He hath stretched forth his hand to repay. They have defiled his covenant,
54:22. They are divided by the wrath of his countenance, and his heart hath drawn near. His words are smoother tha oil, and the same are darts.
They are divided, etc… Dispersed, scattered, and brought to nothing, by the wrath of God; who looks with indignation on their wicked and deceitful ways.
54:23. Cast thy care upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall not suffer the just to waver for ever.