Psalm 140:8 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 140:8

Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked ,.... Of Doeg, as the Targum, and of other wicked men, who were desirous both of taking him, and of taking away his life: but the desires of such men are under the restraints of the Lord; nor can they fulfil them unless they have leave from him, which is here deprecated. The psalmist entreats he might not be delivered up to their will, or they have their will of him; see Psalm 27:12 . Jarchi interprets it of Esau, as in Psalm 140:1 ; and it is... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 140:8

Further not his wicked device - He knew his enemies still desired his death, and were plotting to accomplish it; and here he prays that God may disappoint and confound them. The Chaldee understands this of Doeg. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 140:8

Verse 8 8.Grant not, O Jehovah! the desires of the wicked (228) We might render the words Establish not, though the meaning would be the same — that God would restrain the desires of the wicked, and frustrate all their aims and attempts. We see from this that it is in his power, whenever he sees proper, to frustrate the unprincipled designs of men, and their wicked expectations, and to dash their schemes. When, therefore, it is found impracticable to bring our enemies to a right state of mind,... 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 140:8

Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked . The "desires of the wicked" are hurtful both to themselves and others. It is in his mercy that God does not grant them. Further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves . So the LXX ; μήποτε ὑψωθῶσιν . Others translate, "Or how they will exalt themselves!" The third stanza here terminates. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 140:8

Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked - That is, in the matter under consideration. Let them not accomplish their desire in my destruction. Let them not succeed in their designs against me. The prayer, however, “may” be used more generally. It is proper to pray that the desires of the wicked, as wicked people, may not be granted to them; that they may “not” be successful in their purposes. Success in such desires would be only an injury to themselves and to the world. It is proper to... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 140:6-8

Psalms 140:6-8. Hear the voice of my supplication The more malice appears in our enemies against us, and the greater efforts they use to injure us, the more earnest ought we to be in prayer to God, after the example of David here, to take us under his protection. On him believers may depend for security, and may enjoy it and themselves with holy serenity. Those are safe whom God preserves. Thou hast covered my head in the day of battle With thy powerful protection, as with a helmet or... read more

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

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 140:8

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 140:8

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 140:8

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 140:8

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 140:8

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 140:6-8

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