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.
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.
Psalm 140 Bible Commentary
Jamieson, Faussett, and Brown
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).