Psalms 140
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Psalms 140
Deliver Me, O LORD, from the Evil Man
1Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
PSALM 140
Psa 140:1-13. The style of this Psalm resembles those of David in the former part of the book, presenting the usual complaint, prayer, and confident hope of relief.
1. evil man--Which of David's enemies is meant is not important.
PSALM 140
Psa 140:1-13. The style of this Psalm resembles those of David in the former part of the book, presenting the usual complaint, prayer, and confident hope of relief.
1. evil man--Which of David's enemies is meant is not important.
The Pulpit Commentary
Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man. The prayer is not directed against an individual, but against David's enemies generally. They are "evil" or "wicked" men, and especially "men of violence" (see the next clause, and comp. Psa_140:4). Preserve me from the violent man; literally, from the man of violences.
Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man. The prayer is not directed against an individual, but against David's enemies generally. They are "evil" or "wicked" men, and especially "men of violence" (see the next clause, and comp. Psa_140:4). Preserve me from the violent man; literally, from the man of violences.
2Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
2-5. This character of the wicked, and the devices planned against the pious, correspond to Psa 10:7; 31:13; 58:4, &c.
2-5. This character of the wicked, and the devices planned against the pious, correspond to Psa 10:7; 31:13; 58:4, &c.
The Pulpit Commentary
Which imagine mischiefs in their heart (comp. Psa_28:3; Psa_36:4; Psa_62:3). Continually are they gathered together for war; rather, continually do they stir up wars (comp. Psa_68:30; Psa_120:7).
Which imagine mischiefs in their heart (comp. Psa_28:3; Psa_36:4; Psa_62:3). Continually are they gathered together for war; rather, continually do they stir up wars (comp. Psa_68:30; Psa_120:7).
3They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders’ poison is under their lips. Selah.
The Pulpit Commentary
They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent (comp. Psa_52:2; Psa_57:4; Psa_59:7; Psa_64:3). Adders' poison is under their lips (comp. Psa_58:4; Rom_3:15). The meaning is that their tongues inflict wounds which are as painful as poisoned wounds. The pause-sign, "selah," marks off the first stanza.
They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent (comp. Psa_52:2; Psa_57:4; Psa_59:7; Psa_64:3). Adders' poison is under their lips (comp. Psa_58:4; Rom_3:15). The meaning is that their tongues inflict wounds which are as painful as poisoned wounds. The pause-sign, "selah," marks off the first stanza.
4Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.
The Pulpit Commentary
Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man. A repetition of Psa_140:1 in a modified form. The fact of iteration indicates the extremity of the psalmist's need. Who have purposed to overthrow my goings; i.e. to bring me to destruction (comp. Psa_17:5).
Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man. A repetition of Psa_140:1 in a modified form. The fact of iteration indicates the extremity of the psalmist's need. Who have purposed to overthrow my goings; i.e. to bring me to destruction (comp. Psa_17:5).
5The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah.
The Pulpit Commentary
The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords. An instance of the figure hendiadys. What is meant is a snare composed of cords. Such snares, when laid for animals, were "hidden" in long grass, or low shrubs, or rough ground. They have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me (comp. Psa_31:4; Psa_35:7; Psa_57:6; Psa_119:10; Psa_141:9; Psa_142:3). A second pause-sign marks off a second stanza.
The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords. An instance of the figure hendiadys. What is meant is a snare composed of cords. Such snares, when laid for animals, were "hidden" in long grass, or low shrubs, or rough ground. They have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me (comp. Psa_31:4; Psa_35:7; Psa_57:6; Psa_119:10; Psa_141:9; Psa_142:3). A second pause-sign marks off a second stanza.
6I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
6. (Compare Psa 5:1-12; 16:2).
6. (Compare Psa 5:1-12; 16:2).
The Pulpit Commentary
I said unto the Lord, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O Lord (comp. Psa_31:14; Psa_143:1). The expressions used are markedly Davidical.
I said unto the Lord, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O Lord (comp. Psa_31:14; Psa_143:1). The expressions used are markedly Davidical.
7O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
7. day of battle--literally, "of armor," that is, when using it.
7. day of battle--literally, "of armor," that is, when using it.
The Pulpit Commentary
O God the Lord. In the Hebrew, "Jehovah Adonai"—a comparatively rare address. The strength of my salvation. The solid strength upon which I ground all my hopes of salvation (comp. Psa_89:26). Thou hast covered my head in the day of battle. In past combats thou hast protected me, as with a shield (Psa_18:2; Psa_33:20), wherefore I put the greater trust in thee for the future. The "head" is mentioned as one of the chief vital parts.
O God the Lord. In the Hebrew, "Jehovah Adonai"—a comparatively rare address. The strength of my salvation. The solid strength upon which I ground all my hopes of salvation (comp. Psa_89:26). Thou hast covered my head in the day of battle. In past combats thou hast protected me, as with a shield (Psa_18:2; Psa_33:20), wherefore I put the greater trust in thee for the future. The "head" is mentioned as one of the chief vital parts.
8Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
8. (Compare Psa 37:12; 66:7).
lest they exalt themselves--or, they will be exalted if permitted to prosper.
8. (Compare Psa 37:12; 66:7).
lest they exalt themselves--or, they will be exalted if permitted to prosper.
The Pulpit Commentary
Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked. The "desires of the wicked" are hurtful both to themselves and others. It is in his mercy that God does not grant them. Further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. So the LXX; μήποτε ὑψωθῶσιν. Others translate, "Or how they will exalt themselves!" The third stanza here terminates.
Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked. The "desires of the wicked" are hurtful both to themselves and others. It is in his mercy that God does not grant them. Further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. So the LXX; μήποτε ὑψωθῶσιν. Others translate, "Or how they will exalt themselves!" The third stanza here terminates.
9As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
9. Contrasts his head covered by God (Psa 140:7) with theirs, or (as "head" may be used for "persons") with them, covered with the results of their wicked deeds (Psa 7:16).
9. Contrasts his head covered by God (Psa 140:7) with theirs, or (as "head" may be used for "persons") with them, covered with the results of their wicked deeds (Psa 7:16).
The Pulpit Commentary
As for the head of those that compass me about. The "head" of David's enemies is put in contrast with his own "head" (see Psa_140:7). While God shields and protects his head, theirs has no protection, but the mischief of their own lips which covers them, but with confusion, rather than with defense or safety.
As for the head of those that compass me about. The "head" of David's enemies is put in contrast with his own "head" (see Psa_140:7). While God shields and protects his head, theirs has no protection, but the mischief of their own lips which covers them, but with confusion, rather than with defense or safety.
10Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
10. (Compare Psa 11:6; 120:4).
cast into the fire; into deep pits--figures for utter destruction.
10. (Compare Psa 11:6; 120:4).
cast into the fire; into deep pits--figures for utter destruction.
The Pulpit Commentary
Let burning coals fall upon them, or, "burning coals shall be thrown upon them." Let them be cast (or, "they shall be cast") into the fire, into deep pits, that they rise not up again. The clauses are declaratory rather than optative. The psalmist sees the wrath of God poured out upon his enemies, who are at the same time God's enemies—they are cast into the fire prepared to receive the wicked—and plunged into deep pits whence they find it impossible to extricate themselves.
Let burning coals fall upon them, or, "burning coals shall be thrown upon them." Let them be cast (or, "they shall be cast") into the fire, into deep pits, that they rise not up again. The clauses are declaratory rather than optative. The psalmist sees the wrath of God poured out upon his enemies, who are at the same time God's enemies—they are cast into the fire prepared to receive the wicked—and plunged into deep pits whence they find it impossible to extricate themselves.
11Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
11. an evil speaker--or, "slanderer" will not be tolerated (Psa 101:7). The last clause may be translated: "an evil (man) He (God) shall hunt," &c.
11. an evil speaker--or, "slanderer" will not be tolerated (Psa 101:7). The last clause may be translated: "an evil (man) He (God) shall hunt," &c.
The Pulpit Commentary
Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth; literally, a man of tongue shall not be established is the land—a man, i.e; of pretence and seeming, who talks grandly, but effects nothing. Such a one shall not obtain permanent establishment as a power in the land. Evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him; literally, to destructions—a plural of completeness.
Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth; literally, a man of tongue shall not be established is the land—a man, i.e; of pretence and seeming, who talks grandly, but effects nothing. Such a one shall not obtain permanent establishment as a power in the land. Evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him; literally, to destructions—a plural of completeness.
12I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
12. (Compare Psa 9:4).
12. (Compare Psa 9:4).
The Pulpit Commentary
I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted. The psalmist is confident, not only that the wicked will be punished, but also that the righteous, whatever sufferings may come upon them, will ultimately be delivered out of their afflictions (comp. Psa_9:4, Psa_9:9, Psa_9:12, Psa_9:18, etc.). And the right of the poor. It is not to be supposed that "the right" is always with "the poor;" but, when it is, God will assuredly be their champion.
I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted. The psalmist is confident, not only that the wicked will be punished, but also that the righteous, whatever sufferings may come upon them, will ultimately be delivered out of their afflictions (comp. Psa_9:4, Psa_9:9, Psa_9:12, Psa_9:18, etc.). And the right of the poor. It is not to be supposed that "the right" is always with "the poor;" but, when it is, God will assuredly be their champion.
13Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
13. After all changes, the righteous shall have cause for praise. Such
shall dwell--shall sit securely, under God's protection (Psa 21:6; 41:12).
13. After all changes, the righteous shall have cause for praise. Such
shall dwell--shall sit securely, under God's protection (Psa 21:6; 41:12).
The Pulpit Commentary
Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy Name; the upright shall dwell in thy presence. The result of God's punishment of the wicked, and deliverance of the righteous is naturally that the righteous give him thanks, frequent his courts, and "dwell," as it were, "in his presence."
Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy Name; the upright shall dwell in thy presence. The result of God's punishment of the wicked, and deliverance of the righteous is naturally that the righteous give him thanks, frequent his courts, and "dwell," as it were, "in his presence."
THE HOLY BIBLE
Psalms
Chapter 140
Translated out of the original tongues, and with the former translations diligently compared and revised.
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