Bible Commentary

Psalms 140:1-7

Matthew Henry on Psalms 140:1-7

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

The more danger appears, the more earnest we should be in prayer to God. All are safe whom the Lord protects. If he be for us, who can be against us? We should especially watch and pray, that the Lord would hold up our goings in his ways, that our footsteps slip not.

God is as able to keep his people from secret fraud as from open force; and the experience we have had of his power and care, in dangers of one kind, may encourage us to depend upon him in other dangers.

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commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 140:1-13Our adversary and our Defense. Some there are who unhesitatingly and strongly condemn this psalm: they say it moves only on the low plane of bodily needs; it never mounts up to holy, spiritual desire at all. Further, it…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 140:1-13EXPOSITION MAINLY a psalm of supplication. David is in great straits, threatened by violent and malignant enemies (Psalms 140:1-5), against whom he prays to God for aid (Psalms 140:1, Psalms 140:4, Psalms 140:6, Psalms…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 140:1Deliver 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…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 140:1-13In danger. The position of the psalmist is that of a man in danger. His enemies are strong and cunning; they are bent on his destruction, and spare no pains to accomplish his ruin. At such a time the godly man has one r…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 140:2Which imagine mischiefs in their heart (comp. Psalms 28:3; Psalms 36:4; Psalms 62:3). Continually are they gathered together for war; rather, continually do they stir up wars (comp. Psalms 68:30; Psalms 120:7).Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 140:3They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent (comp. Psalms 52:2; Psalms 57:4; Psalms 59:7; Psalms 64:3). Adders' poison is under their lips (comp. Psalms 58:4; Romans 3:15). The meaning is that their tongues inflict…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 140:4Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man. A repetition of Psalms 140:1 in a modified form. The fact of iteration indicates the extremity of the psalmist's need. Who have purposed t…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 140:5The 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 gro…Joseph S. Exell and contributors