Psalms 140 — with JFB Commentary
The King James text with the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary (1871, public domain) directly beneath the verses it explains. Verses without a JFB note stand alone.
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1Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;
PSALM 140
Psa 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.
2Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war.
2-5. This character of the wicked, and the devices planned against the pious, correspond to Psa 10:7; 31:13; 58:4, &c.
3They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders’ poison is under their lips. Selah.
2-5. This character of the wicked, and the devices planned against the pious, correspond to Psa 10:7; 31:13; 58:4, &c.
4Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.
2-5. This character of the wicked, and the devices planned against the pious, correspond to Psa 10:7; 31:13; 58:4, &c.
5The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah.
2-5. This character of the wicked, and the devices planned against the pious, correspond to Psa 10:7; 31:13; 58:4, &c.
6I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.
6. (Compare Psa 5:1-12; 16:2).
7O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.
7. day of battle--literally, "of armor," that is, when using it.
8Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah.
8. (Compare Psa 37:12; 66:7).
lest they exalt themselves--or, they will be exalted if permitted to prosper.
9As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
9. Contrasts his head covered by God (Psa 140:7) with theirs, or (as "head" may be used for "persons") with them, covered with the results of their wicked deeds (Psa 7:16).
10Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again.
10. (Compare Psa 11:6; 120:4).
cast into the fire; into deep pits--figures for utter destruction.
11Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.
11. an evil speaker--or, "slanderer" will not be tolerated (Psa 101:7). The last clause may be translated: "an evil (man) He (God) shall hunt," &c.
12I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor.
12. (Compare Psa 9:4).
13Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.
13. After all changes, the righteous shall have cause for praise. Such
shall dwell--shall sit securely, under God's protection (Psa 21:6; 41:12).