Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, , at sacred-texts.com
"Author of the psalm." This psalm is ascribed to David, not only
in the title, but in all the versions, and there is no reason to
doubt the correctness of this. It would not be difficult to show
from its contents that the sentiments and style of composition
are such as accord with the other compositions of David.
"Occasion on which the psalm was composed." On this point
nothing is intimated expressly in the psalm, unless it be in the
title, "To the chief Musician upon Muth-labben." The meaning of
and that it was composed on his death. Others, as Rudinger,
suppose that it is a psalm of thanksgiving on occasion of the
victory over Absalom, and the suppression of his rebellion by
his death: a harsh and unnatural supposition, as if any father,
in any circumstances, could compose a psalm of praise on
occasion of the death of it son. Moeller supposes that it was
composed on occasion of a victory over the Philistines by David;
Ferrand, who unites this psalm