The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 140:1-13

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

EXPOSITION

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 140:8). At the same time, he praises God for his protection in past dangers (Psalms 140:7), and expresses his confidence that judgment will overtake the wicked (Psalms 140:9-11), and the cause of the righteous be vindicated (Psalms 140:12, Psalms 140:13). The ascription to David is borne out by the contents.

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Matthew Henry on Psalms 140:1-7Psalms 140:1-7 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryThe 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…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 140:1Psalms 140:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryDeliver 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…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 140:1-13Psalms 140:1-13 · The Pulpit CommentaryIn 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…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 140:1-13Psalms 140:1-13 · The Pulpit CommentaryOur 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…

commentaryMatthew Henry on Psalms 140:1-7The 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…Matthew Henry 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 contributors commentaryThe 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 contributors commentaryThe 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 contributors commentaryThe 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 contributors commentaryThe 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 contributors commentaryThe 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 contributors commentaryThe 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