8 Grant H5414 not, O LORD, H3068 the desires H3970 of the wicked: H7563 further H6329 not his wicked device; H2162 lest they exalt H7311 themselves. Selah. H5542
Were it not H3884 that I feared H1481 the wrath H3708 of the enemy, H341 lest their adversaries H6862 should behave themselves strangely, H5234 and lest they should say, H559 Our hand H3027 is high, H7311 and the LORD H3068 hath not done H6466 all this.
And one told H5046 David, H1732 saying, H559 Ahithophel H302 is among the conspirators H7194 with Absalom. H53 And David H1732 said, H559 O LORD, H3068 I pray thee, turn the counsel H6098 of Ahithophel H302 into foolishness. H5528
The wicked H7563 in his pride H1346 doth persecute H1814 the poor: H6041 let them be taken H8610 in the devices H4209 that H2098 they have imagined. H2803 For the wicked H7563 boasteth H1984 of his heart's H5315 desire, H8378 and blesseth H1288 the covetous, H1214 whom the LORD H3068 abhorreth. H5006
Deliver H5414 me not over unto the will H5315 of mine enemies: H6862 for false H8267 witnesses H5707 are risen up H6965 against me, and such as breathe out H3307 cruelty. H2555
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).