Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 141:8
But mine eyes are unto thee - In all times, in all places, on all occasions, I will cleave unto the Lord, and put my whole confidence in him. read more
Psalm 141
Adam Clarke
Adam Clarke
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 141:10
Let the wicked fall into their own nets - This is generally the case; those who lay snares for others fall into them themselves. Harm watch, harm catch, says the old adage. How many cases have occurred where the spring guns that have been set for thieves have shot some of the family! I have known some dismal cases of this kind, where some of the most amiable lives have been sacrificed to this accursed machine. Whilst - I withal escape - They alone are guilty; they alone spread the nets... read more
John Calvin
John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 141:1
Verse 1 1.O Jehovah! I have cried unto thee. From such an exordium and manner of praying, it is evident that David was laboring under no small trial, as he repeats his requests, and insists upon receiving help. Without venturing to say anything definite upon the point, we would not disapprove of the conjecture that this Psalm was written by David with reference to the persecutions he suffered from Saul. He teaches us by his example to make application immediately to God, and not be tempted, as... read more
John Calvin
John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 141:2
Verse 2 In the second verse the allusion is evidently to the legal ceremonies. (235) At that time the prayers of God’s people were according to his own appointment sanctified through the offering up of incense and sacrifices, and David depended upon this promise. (236) As to the conjecture some have made, that he was at this time an exile, and cut off from the privileges of the religious assembly, nothing certain can be said upon that point; their idea being that there is a tacit antithesis in... read more
John Calvin
John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 141:3
Verse 3 3.Set a watch, O Jehovah! upon my mouth. As David was liable to be hurt at the unbridled and unprincipled rage of his enemies, so as to be tempted to act in a manner that might not be justifiable, he prays for divine direction, and not that he might be kept back from manual violence merely, but that his tongue might be restrained from venting reproach, or words of complaint. Even persons of the most self-possessed temper, if unwarrantably injured, will some — times proceed to make... read more
John Calvin
John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 141:5
Verse 5 5.Let the righteous smite me, etc. While Satan tempts the wicked by his allurements, they, at the same time, deceive one another by flattery, which leads David to declare, that he would much rather be awakened to his duty by the severe rod of reproof, than be seduced through pleasing falsehoods. Among those who hold religion in contempt no reproof is administered to one who has contracted any sin, and, therefore, if we have any concern for our spiritual safety we will connect ourselves... read more
John Calvin
John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 141:6
Verse 6 6.Their judges have been thrown down upon stony places (240) Almost all interpreters agree, that the tense of the verb should be changed from the preterit to the future, and then resolve it into the optative —let them be thrown down. It appears to me that the sense of David would be made very plain by reading, When their judges have been cast down from the rock, or upon stony places, they shall hear my words. David, on perceiving the rage which the common people expressed towards him,... read more
John Calvin
John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 141:7
Verse 7 7.As one who breaketh, etc. Here David complains that his enemies were not satisfied with inflicting upon him one death — death of a common description — but must first mangle him, and those associated with him, and then cast them into the grave. The common robber on the highway throws the body of his murdered victim whole into the ditch; David tells us, that he and those with him were treated more barbarously, their Bones being dispersed, as one cleaves wood or stones into fragments,... read more
John Calvin
John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 141:8
Verse 8 8.Because to thee, O Jehovah ! etc. If we reflect upon what was comprehended under the previous figure of their bones being broken, his praying in such circumstances is just as if the torn fragments of a mangled corpse should cry unto God. This may give us some idea of the heroical courage of David, who could continue to direct his eyes to God even under such overwhelming difficulties; this being the very part faith ought to discharge, in making us collected and composed when our senses... read more
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 141:6
When their judges are overthrown in stony places - סלע בידי biyedey sela , "In the hands of the rock." Does this rock signify a strong or fortified place; and its hands the garrison which have occupied it, by whom these judges were overthrown? If we knew the occasion on which this Psalm was made, we might be the better able to understand the allusions in the text. They shall hear my words; for they are sweet - Some think there is here an allusion to David's generous treatment of Saul... read more