5 The proud have hidden a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the way-side; they have set traps for me. Selah.
Keep me from the snare which they have laid for me, and from the traps of the workers of iniquity. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, whilst that *I* withal pass over.
And having watched [him], they sent out suborned persons, pretending to be just men, that they might take hold of him in [his] language, so that they might deliver him up to the power and authority of the governor. And they asked him saying, Teacher, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, and acceptest no [man's] person, but teachest with truth the way of God: Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not? But perceiving their deceit he said to them, Why do ye tempt me?
Be gracious unto us, O Jehovah, be gracious unto us; for we are exceedingly filled with contempt. Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that are at ease, with the contempt of the proud.
Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings, From the wicked that destroy me, my deadly enemies, who compass me about. They are enclosed in their own fat; with their mouth they speak proudly. They have now encompassed us in our steps; their eyes have they set, bowing down to the earth. He is like a lion that is greedy of its prey, and as a young lion lurking in secret places. Arise, Jehovah, anticipate him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, thy sword;
The wicked [saith], in the haughtiness of his countenance, He doth not search out: all his thoughts are, There is no God! His ways always succeed; thy judgments are far above out of his sight; [as for] all his adversaries, he puffeth at them. He saith in his heart, I shall not be moved; from generation to generation I shall be in no adversity. His mouth is full of cursing, and deceit, and oppression; under his tongue is mischief and iniquity. He sitteth in the lurking-places of the villages; in the secret places doth he slay the innocent: his eyes watch for the wretched. He lieth in wait secretly, like a lion in his thicket; he lieth in wait to catch the afflicted: he doth catch the afflicted, drawing him into his net. He croucheth, he boweth down, that the wretched may fall by his strong ones. He saith in his heart, ùGod hath forgotten, he hideth his face, he will never see [it]. Arise, Jehovah; O ùGod, lift up thy hand: forget not the afflicted.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 140
Commentary on Psalms 140 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 140
Ps 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.
2-5. This character of the wicked, and the devices planned against the pious, correspond to Ps 10:7; 31:13; 58:4, &c.
3. sharpened … like a serpent—not like a serpent does, but they are thus like a serpent in cunning and venom.
5. snare [and] net—for threatening dangers (compare Ps 38:12; 57:6).
6. (Compare Ps 5:1-12; 16:2).
7. day of battle—literally, "of armor," that is, when using it.
8. (Compare Ps 37:12; 66:7).
lest they exalt themselves—or, they will be exalted if permitted to prosper.
9. Contrasts his head covered by God (Ps 140:7) with theirs, or (as "head" may be used for "persons") with them, covered with the results of their wicked deeds (Ps 7:16).
10. (Compare Ps 11:6; 120:4).
cast into the fire; into deep pits—figures for utter destruction.
11. an evil speaker—or, "slanderer" will not be tolerated (Ps 101:7). The last clause may be translated: "an evil (man) He (God) shall hunt," &c.
12. (Compare Ps 9:4).
13. After all changes, the righteous shall have cause for praise. Such
shall dwell—shall sit securely, under God's protection (Ps 21:6; 41:12).