John Calvin Commentary Psalms 109:1

"Hold not thy peace, O God of my praise;" — Psalms 109:1 (ASV)

O God of my praise! be not silent In these words, which can be considered an introduction to the psalm, David declares that he neither could find nor would desire anyone other than God to stand forward in vindication of the integrity of his heart. For in calling Him the God of his praise, he entrusts to Him the vindication of his innocence against the slander by which he was almost universally assailed.

Some are of the opinion that this phrase should be understood as referring to David actually declaring that he himself was the proclaimer of God’s praises. However, the context of the passage opposes such an interpretation, because we find David appealing to God’s judgment against the unjust and cruel hatred he faced in the world.

There is an implied contrast in these words because, when slander is rampant, innocence is truly and properly valued by God alone. The meaning of the passage is this: “Lord, although I may be regarded as the vilest of the vile and exposed to the world’s reproach, You will maintain the uprightness of my character, and for this reason You will also proclaim my praise.”

This interpretation corresponds well with what immediately follows, be not silent. For when we are overwhelmed by the slander of the wicked, it would surely be improper for God, who is the witness of our innocence, to remain silent. At the same time, what I previously stated must not be forgotten: that while David mourns over the specific injuries he was suffering, in his own person he represented Christ and the entire body of His Church.

From this we are taught that when we are subjected to every kind of indignity by men, we should rest with perfect confidence under God’s protection alone. No man, however, can, with a sincere heart, surrender himself entirely into God’s hand unless he has first resolved to treat the world’s reproaches with contempt and is also fully convinced that God is the defender of his cause.