5 The proud have hidden a snare for me, They have spread the cords of a net by the path. They have set traps for me. Selah.
Keep me from the snare which they have laid for me, From the traps of the workers of iniquity. Let the wicked fall together into their own nets, While I pass by.
They watched him, and sent out spies, who pretended to be righteous, that they might trap him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the power and authority of the governor. They asked him, "Teacher, we know that you say and teach what is right, and aren't partial to anyone, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, "Why do you test me?
Have mercy on us, Yahweh, have mercy on us, For we have endured much contempt. Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scoffing of those who are at ease, With the contempt of the proud.
Keep me as the apple of your eye; Hide me under the shadow of your wings, From the wicked who oppress me, My deadly enemies, who surround me. They close up their callous hearts. With their mouth they speak proudly. They have now surrounded us in our steps. They set their eyes to cast us down to the earth. He is like a lion that is greedy of his prey, As it were a young lion lurking in secret places. Arise, Yahweh, Confront him, cast him down. Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword;
The wicked, in the pride of his face, Has no room in his thoughts for God. His ways are prosperous at all times; He is haughty, and your laws are far from his sight: As for all his adversaries, he sneers at them. He says in his heart, "I shall not be shaken; For generations I shall have no trouble." His mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and oppression. Under his tongue is mischief and iniquity. He lies in wait near the villages. From ambushes, he murders the innocent. His eyes are secretly set against the helpless. He lurks in secret as a lion in his ambush. He lies in wait to catch the helpless. He catches the helpless, when he draws him in his net. The helpless are crushed, they collapse, They fall under his strength. He says in his heart, "God has forgotten. He hides his face. He will never see it." Arise, Yahweh! God, lift up your hand! Don't forget the helpless.
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).