Psa 140:1-6 | Clarke | STEP | The psalmist prays against his enemies, ; returns thanks for help, ; describes his enemies, and prays farther against them, . His confidence in God, , . The Hebrew, and all the Versions, attribute this Psalm to David; and it is supposed to contain his complaint when persecuted by Saul. The Syriac determines it to the time when Saul endeavored to transfix David with his spear. Verse 1 From the evil man - Saul, who was full of envy, jealousy, and cruelty against David, to whom both himself and his kingdom were under the highest obligations, endeavored by every means to destroy him.

Psalms 140:1-6

Introduction

The psalmist prays against his enemies, Psa 140:1-6; returns thanks for help, Psa 140:7; describes his enemies, and prays farther against them, Psa 140:8-11. His confidence in God, Psa 140:12, Psa 140:13.

The Hebrew, and all the Versions, attribute this Psalm to David; and it is supposed to contain his complaint when persecuted by Saul. The Syriac determines it to the time when Saul endeavored to transfix David with his spear.

Verse 1

From the evil man - Saul, who was full of envy, jealousy, and cruelty against David, to whom both himself and his kingdom were under the highest obligations, endeavored by every means to destroy him. Verse 2

They gathered together - He and his courtiers form plots and cabals against my life. Verse 3

They have sharpened their tongues - They employ their time in forging lies and calumnies against me; and those of the most virulent nature. Verse 4

Preserve me from the violent man - Saul again; who was as headstrong and violent in all his measures, as he was cruel, and inflexibly bent on the destruction of David. Verse 5

Have hid a snare for me - They hunted David as they would a dangerous wild beast: one while striving to pierce him with the spear; another to entangle him in their snares, so as to take and sacrifice him before the people, on pretense of his being an enemy to the state.

Selah - This is the truth.