I [counsel thee] to keep the king's commandment
Or, "to observe the mouth of the king" F23; what he says, and do according to it when it is agreeably to the law of God, and according to the laws of the kingdom, by which he is to govern; for kings are to be honoured, obeyed, and submitted to, in the lawful discharge of their office: and such counsel and advice as this is wholesome; and, being taken, contributes much, as to the honour of kings, so to the good of kingdoms and states, and to a man's own peace and comfort. Aben Ezra supplies it,
``I command thee, or I admonish thee;''for it may be either a charge, or art advice, respecting this and what follows. Jarchi supplies and paraphrases it thus,
``I have need, and am prepared, to observe the mouth (or keep the commandment) of the King of the world;''and so Alshech,
``observe that which goes out of the mouth of the King of the world.''And indeed, to understand it, not of an earthly king, but of the King of kings, as it is understood by other interpreters also, suits better with what is said of this King in the following verses; whose commandments, which are not grievous, but to be loved above fine gold, should be kept from a principle of love, without mercenary and selfish views, as they are delivered out by him, and to his glory; and such a charge as this should be attended to, and such counsel be received; and [that] in regard of the oath of God;