PSALM CXL _The psalmist prays against his enemies_, 1-6; _returns thanks for help_, 7; _describes his enemies, and prays farther against them_, 8-11. _His confidence in God_, 12, 13. NOTES ON PSALM CXL The _Hebrew_, and all the _Versions_, attribute this Psalm to _David_; and it is supposed to... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 140:2. _THEY GATHERED TOGETHER_] He and his courtiers form plots and cabals against my life.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 140:3. _THEY HAVE SHARPENED THEIR TONGUES_] They employ their time in forging lies and calumnies against me; and those of the most virulent nature.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 140:4. _PRESERVE ME FROM THE VIOLENT MAN_] Saul again; who was as headstrong and violent in all his measures, as he was cruel, and inflexibly bent on the destruction of David.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 140:5. _HAVE HID A SNARE FOR ME_] They hunted David as they would a dangerous wild beast: one while striving to _pierce_ him with the spear; another to _entangle_ him in their snares, so as to take and sacrifice him before the people, on pretense of his being an _enemy to the state_. _... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 140:7. _THOU HAST COVERED MY HEAD_] Not only when I fought with the proud blaspheming Philistine; but in the various attempts made against my life by my sworn enemies.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 140:8. _FURTHER NOT HIS WICKED DEVICE_] He knew his enemies still desired his death, and were plotting to accomplish it; and here he prays that God may disappoint and confound them. The _Chaldee_ understands this of _Doeg_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 140:10. _LET BURNING COALS_] The _Chaldee_ considers this as spoken against _Ahithophel_, who was head of a conspiracy against David; and translates this verse thus: "Let coals from heaven fall upon them, precipitate them into the fire of hell, and into miry pits, from which they shall... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 140:11. _LET NOT AN EVIL SPEAKER BE ESTABLISHED_] איש לשון _ish_ _lashon_, "a man of tongue." There is much force in the rendering of this clause in the _Chaldee_ גבר דמשתעי לישן תליתי gebar demishtai _lishan telithai_, "The man of detraction, or _inflammation_, with the _three-forked... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 140:12. _THE CAUSE OF THE AFFLICTED_] Every person who is _persecuted_ for righteousness' sake has God for his _peculiar help_ and _refuge_; and the _persecutor_ has the same God for his _especial_ _enemy_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 140:13. _THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL GIVE THANKS_] For thou wilt support and deliver him. _THE UPRIGHT SHALL DWELL IN THY PRESENCE._] Shall be admitted to the most intimate intercourse with God. The _persecuted_ have ever been dear to God Almighty; and the _martyrs_ were, in an especial manne... [ Continue Reading ]