Psalms 141 - Introduction

CXLI.

This is one of the most obscure psalms in the whole psalter, hardly a clause of Psalms 141:5 offering anything more than a conjectural meaning. The author appears from Psalms 141:2 to be a priest or Levite, being so familiar with the rites of the sanctuary as to use them as metaphors. From Psalms 141:3 we gather that he (or as Psalms 141:7 indicates, the community for which he speaks) is under a temptation to betray the cause of Jehovah and true religion, either by pronouncing some blasphemy, or indulging in some license forbidden by a high covenant ideal. The reference to the unlawful dainties in Psalms 141:4 (if we adopt that rendering) naturally suggests either idolatrous feasts (comp. Psalms 16:4) or banquets connected with the games and other foreign innovations against which. when introduced under Grecian influence, the stricter Jews so bitterly protested. Can the allusion in Psalms 141:3 be to the musical gifts and accomplishments of the Levites, which the apostate part of the nation wished to enlist on the side of these Greek customs, but which the poet declines to exhibit, praying for support in his pious resolution? Or does Psalms 141:6 rather indicate a judicial position for the author; and is he afraid of being himself led into the perversion of justice, which he so strongly denounces, by the promise of popular favour?

The Davidic inscription cannot be for a moment maintained. There is no period of David’s life which the psalm could represent. The overthrow of some oppressive and persecuting court party, such as existed at Jerusalem either in the Persian or Grecian period, is surely indicated in Psalms 141:6. The rhythm is fine, and fairly sustained.