9. Contrasts his head covered by God (Psalms 140:7) with theirs, or (as "head" may be used for "persons") with them, covered with the results of their wicked deeds (Psalms 140:7- :). read more
1. Prayer for deliverance 140:1-8 read more
Psalms 140David prayed for God to frustrate his enemies’ attempts to trip him up-with confidence that God would defend him-in this individual lament psalm. read more
David repeated his call for God’s help (cf. Psalms 140:1). He pictured God’s protection of him in military terms (Psalms 140:7). Then he asked God not to permit his enemies’ evil intentions. read more
2. Imprecation on enemies 140:9-11David’s request in Psalms 140:9 contrasts with his testimony in Psalms 140:7. Likewise, his petition in Psalms 140:10 recalls his description of his enemies’ treatment of him in Psalms 140:5 (cf. Genesis 19:24). Psalms 140:11 calls on God to deal with their words, to which David had referred in Psalms 140:3. read more
A prayer for deliverance from enemies (perhaps national), ascribed to David probably because it consists mainly of quotations from, and adaptations of, earlier Pss.2. ’Continually do they stir up wars’: cp. Proverbs 15:18. 3. Selah] see on Psalms 3:4. 7. Covered] better, ’screened.’11. Let not, etc.] better, ’a slander shall not.’ read more
(8) Desires.—The form of the Hebrew word is anomalous, but the meaning certain. The LXX. and Vulg. give the first clause thus: “Give me not over to the enemy, by reason of their own desire;” which may possibly have been in St. Paul’s mind in Romans 1:24.Further not.—The text of this clause has undoubtedly suffered. The Authorised Version follows the LXX. and Vulg. in inserting a negative before the last word. These versions also take the word rendered “wicked devices” as a verb, not finding a... read more
(9) Head.—Ewald, who keeps to the text, takes rôsh in the sense of poison (see Psalms 69:22, Note):—“The poison of those encircling me,Let them be covered with the perdition of their lips.This brings Psalms 140:8-9 into harmony with Psalms 140:4. But the emendation given above is better. read more
Psalms 140:1-13IN tone and contents this psalm has many parallels in the earlier books, especially among the psalms ascribed to David. Its originality lies principally in its use of peculiar words, and in the extreme obscurity of a part of it. The familiar situation of a man ringed about by slanderous enemies, the familiar metaphors of snares and traps, the familiar venture of faith flinging itself into God’s arms for refuge, the familiar prayers for retribution, are all here. One cannot argue... read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Psalms 140:8
8. (Compare Psalms 37:12; Psalms 66:7). lest they exalt themselves—or, they will be exalted if permitted to prosper. read more