Psalm 140:12 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 140:8-13

Here is the believing foresight David had, I. Of the shame and confusion of persecutors. 1. Their disappointment. This he prays for (Ps. 140:8), that their lusts might not be gratified, their lust of ambition, envy, and revenge: ?Grant not, O Lord! the desires of the wicked, but frustrate them; let them not see the ruin of my interest, which they so earnestly wish to see; but hear the voice of my supplications.? He prays that their projects might not take effect, but be blasted: ?O further not... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 140:12

I know ,.... Here is a double reading: the "Keri", or marginal reading, is, "thou knowest"; an appeal of the psalmist to God, who knew the thoughts of the wicked concerning him, and their devices against him; as Kimchi: but the Scripture reading is, I know; expressing his full persuasion and assurance that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor ; of his poor and afflicted people, that are afflicted within and without, by men and devils; and who are... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 140:12

The cause of the afflicted - Every person who is persecuted for righteousness' sake has God for his peculiar help and refuge; and the persecutor has the same God for his especial enemy. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 140:12

Verse 12 12.I have known; that God, etc. There can be no question that David here seals or corroborates his prayer by turning his thoughts and discourse to the providential judgments of God, for, as I have already said, doubtful prayer is no prayer at all. He declares it to be a thing known and ascertained that God cannot but deliver the afflicted. As he may connive for a time, however, and suffer good and upright persons to be grievously tried, David suggests as consideration which may meet... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 140:1-13

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 140:12

I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted. The psalmist is confident, not only that the wicked will be punished, but also that the righteous, whatever sufferings may come upon them, will ultimately be delivered out of their afflictions (comp. Psalms 9:4 , Psalms 9:9 , Psalms 9:12 , Psalms 9:18 , etc.). And the right of the poor . It is not to be supposed that "the right" is always with "the poor;" but, when it is, God will assuredly be their champion. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 140:12

I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted - See the notes at Psalms 9:4. The psalmist here doubtless refers primarily to himself, as having a confident belief that the Lord would maintain “his” cause, or would defend “him.” At the same time he makes the statement general, implying that what would be done to him would be done to all in similar circumstances. The idea is that God, in all his attributes, in all his providential arrangements, in all his interpositions on earth,... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 140:12-13

Psalms 140:12-13. I know, &c. Both by God’s word, who hath promised it, and by my own experience of it in the course of God’s providence; that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, &c. That he will not suffer might always to prevail against right, though it be but the right of the poor. God is, and will be, the patron of oppressed innocence, much more of persecuted piety; they that know him at all cannot but know this. Surely the righteous shall give thanks ... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 140:8-13

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 140:12

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 140:12

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 140:12

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 140:1-13

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 140:1-13

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 140:1-13

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 140:12

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 140:12

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 140:12-13

Group of Brands