Here we have, 1. The acknowledgment which David makes of his own
condition: I am a stranger in the earth. We all are so, and all good
people confess themselves to be so; for heaven is their home, and the
world is but their inn, the land of their pilgrimage. David was a man
that knew as much of the world, and was as well known in it, as most
men. God built him a house, established his throne; strangers submitted
to him, and people that he had not known served him; he had a name like
the names of the great men, and yet he calls himself a stranger. We are
all strangers on earth and must so account ourselves. 2. The request he
makes to God thereupon: Hide not thy commandments from me. He means
more: "Lord, show thy commandments to me; let me never know the want of
the word of God, but, as long as I live, give me to be growing in my
acquaintance with it. I am a stranger, and therefore stand in need of a
guide, a guard, a companion, a comforter; let me have thy commandments
always in view, for they will be all this to me, all that a poor
stranger can desire. I am a stranger here, and must be gone shortly; by
thy commandments let me be prepared for my removal hence."