תהלים, פרק נ״ז, פסוק ג׳

From the depths of his distress and relentless pursuit by his enemies, David turns to God, recognizing His perfect guidance from the very beginning of events to their final conclusion. He directs his prayer to the supreme God in heaven, who holds the ultimate power to save him from the king hunting him down [רד״ק, מצודת דוד]. Addressing God's supreme, elevated nature creates a sharp contrast to David's physical reality, as he is currently hiding at the very bottom, deep inside a cave [אבן עזרא]. On a philosophical level, recognizing God's elevated status points to Him as the primary source and the first cause of everything in existence [מלבי״ם]. A unique perspective views this plea as an act of profound mercy toward King Saul. Addressing the aspect of God that represents strict justice, David prays for this justice to be elevated and removed. He asks that judgment depart and go upward, ensuring that God does not punish Saul for his aggressive pursuit [אלשיך].

As David continues his prayer, he focuses on the need for his salvation to be brought to a full conclusion. The primary approach among commentators is that David is asking God to finish the kindness He already began and to fulfill His promise of granting David the kingship [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, מאירי]. Because the cave offers only temporary shelter, David expresses hope that God will finalize the rescue and provide a complete, lasting solution, ultimately bestowing a full measure of kindness upon him [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Building on the earlier idea that God is the first cause of everything, this request for completion paints a full picture: God is not only the beginning but also the ultimate purpose, the final outcome, and the ultimate cause of all things [מלבי״ם]. Returning to David's merciful prayer for Saul, he appeals to the divine attribute of kindness to finalize the situation. David asks God to save him without causing Saul's death. In doing so, God would finalize the very act of kindness that David himself started when he chose not to strike Saul down inside the cave [אלשיך].