Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 106:46

"He made them also to be pitied Of all those that carried them captive." — Psalms 106:46 (ASV)

He made them also to be pitied by all those who carried them captive—That is, he exercised such control over the minds of the pagan that they were willing to show them mercy and to release them. It was not by any native tenderness on the part of the pagan; it was not because they were naturally disposed to show them any favor; it was not because they had any natural relentings on the subject; but it was because God had access to their hearts and inclined them to show compassion for their suffering prisoners. This is a remarkable instance of the power of God over even the hardened minds and hearts of pagan men; and it shows that he holds this power, and can exercise it when he pleases. If he could excite feelings of compassion in their hard hearts toward his own people in bondage, what should prevent his having such access to the hearts of the pagan now as to lead them to repentance toward himself? On the exercise of this power the salvation of the pagan world—as of all sinners—must depend; and for the exercise of this power we should most fervently pray.

The literal rendering of this verse would be, And he gave them to compassions before all those who made them captive. That is, he inclined them to show favor or compassion. Compare Daniel 1:9; 1 Kings 8:50.