E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Psalms 140:2
Which = Who. mischiefs. Not the same word as in Psalms 140:9 , but the same word as "evil" in Psalms 140:1 . read more
Which = Who. mischiefs. Not the same word as in Psalms 140:9 , but the same word as "evil" in Psalms 140:1 . read more
Psalms 140:2. Are they gathered together, &c.— Are they creating wars: forming and occasioning quarrels and contentions. read more
2-5. This character of the wicked, and the devices planned against the pious, correspond to Psalms 10:7; Psalms 31:13; Psalms 58:4, &c. read more
Psalms 140:1-2 are an introductory cry for help. David’s enemies were evil, violent men who were stirring up trouble for him and his kingdom. In Psalms 140:3-5 the psalmist lamented his condition. The words of his enemies were as a serpent’s venom in their destructive power. David’s adversaries had tried to trap him as a hunter snares an animal. Evidently David felt they were trying to kill him. 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
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
(2) Imagine . . .—Or, contrive, plot.Gathered together.—This translation follows the analogy of Psalms 56:6. Others render, “dwell with wars.” But it is preferable to derive from a root meaning to incite: “They are continually stirring up wars.” It is the situation described in Psalms 120:7 and frequently; Israel would be at peace, but within and without are those ever trying to involve her in troubles. 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
Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 140:1-13
Psalm 140 - 143 Troubles for the godlyThese four psalms are similar, and from the title of Psalms 142:0 it appears that all four belong to the time when David was fleeing from Saul. (See introductory notes to Psalms 34:0.)Treachery and slander are the chief weapons that David’s enemies use to attack him. These men have the poison of snakes and the cunning of hunters (140:1-5). But Yahweh is David’s God, his defender in whom he trusts for victory (6-8). David’s enemies will receive a fitting... read more