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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 140:1-7

In this, as in other things, David was a type of Christ, that he suffered before he reigned, was humbled before he was exalted, and that as there were many who loved and valued him, and sought to do him honour, so there were many who hated and envied him, and sought to do him mischief, as appears by these verses, where, I. He gives a character of his enemies, and paints them out in their own colours, as dangerous men, whom he had reason to be afraid of, but wicked men, whom he had no reason to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 140:2

Which imagine mischiefs in their heart ,.... This shows that not a single person barely is meant but more, as Saul's courtiers; who were secretly and continually meditating mischief against David, traducing him to Saul, and devising things to take away his life. Such were the Jews to Christ, who were always plotting to entangle him, or contriving to kill him; and so wicked men are ever devising mischief against the quiet in the land, which is very abominable to God; and rightly observed... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 140:2

They gathered together - He and his courtiers form plots and cabals against my life. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 140:2

Verse 2 2.Who imagine mischief’s in their heart. Here he charges them with inward malignity of heart. And it is plain that the reference is not to one man merely, for he passes to the plural number (in a manner sufficiently common,) reverting from the head to all his associates and copartners in guilt. Indeed what was formerly said in the singular number may be taken indefinitely, as grammarians say. In general he repeats what I have noticed already, that the hostility to which he was subjected... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 140:1-13

In danger. The position of the psalmist is that of a man in danger. His enemies are strong and cunning; they are bent on his destruction, and spare no pains to accomplish his ruin. At such a time the godly man has one resource which never fails him. The psalm speaks to us of— I. THE PERILS WHICH SURROUND US . These are twofold. 1. That of violence . ( Psalms 140:4 , Psalms 140:11 .) Not the violence of the sword and the spear, but that of fierce, forcible... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 140:1-13

Our adversary and our Defense. Some there are who unhesitatingly and strongly condemn this psalm: they say it moves only on the low plane of bodily needs; it never mounts up to holy, spiritual desire at all. Further, it is wholly personal, not to say selfish; it is all for "me," no one else, throughout the psalm; also, it is aflame with the "burning coals" of fierce revenge, and is, at the same time, saturated with self-righteousness. Such are the charges brought against this psalm, and a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 140:2

Which imagine mischiefs in their heart (comp. Psalms 28:3 ; Psalms 36:4 ; Psalms 62:3 ). Continually are they gathered together for war ; rather, continually do they stir up wars (comp. Psalms 68:30 ; Psalms 120:7 ). read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 140:2

Which imagine mischiefs in their heart - Here the language is changed to the plural number in the Hebrew, implying that while there was one man who was eminent in his wickedness and his wrong-doing, there were many others associated with him, acting under his direction. The word “mischiefs” in the Hebrew means “evils; wickednesses.” It was not a single purpose; the plan embraced many forms of evil - doing him wrong in every way possible.Continually are they gathered together for war - They are... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 140:1-3

Psalms 140:1-3. Deliver me from the evil man Either Saul, or Doeg, or some other malicious enemy, or rather enemies; the word man being taken collectively for men, as appears from the next verse. Continually, are they gathered, &c. To execute those bloody enterprises which they have devised. They have sharpened their tongues, &c. Their malicious hearts have excited their tongues to utter vile slanders against me, using words as sharp and piercing as the sting of a serpent. ... read more

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