Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 86:14

"O God, the proud are risen up against me, And a company of violent men have sought after my soul, And have not set thee before them." — Psalms 86:14 (ASV)

O God, the proud are risen against me - People who are self-confident, ambitious, and haughty, who do not regard the welfare or the rights of others, and who are disposed to trample down all others to accomplish their own purposes—these are the people who have opposed me and sought my life. This description would apply to the time of either Saul or Absalom, as in both instances, there were men who fit this characterization.

And the assemblies of violent men - The margin note says, "terrible." The Septuagint and the Vulgate render this phrase as "the synagogue of the wicked." The word translated "violent" properly means terrible or inspiring terror; then, it describes those who are violent, fierce, or lawless—tyrants.

The idea here is that they pursued their object by violence and not by right. They acted in a fierce and savage manner, or in such a way as to inspire terror. The word "assembly" here means merely that they were banded together; what was done was the result of a conspiracy or combination.

Have sought after my soul - After my life.

And have not set thee before them - They do not fear you; they do not act as if in your presence; they have no regard for you, for your law, for your favor, or for your threats.