Psalms 141
DortDavid desires of God that he may be heard and comforted, retaining a good conscience; declaring that the corrections (or reproofs) from the, godly are acceptable unto him; and praying with confident assurance, for revenge upon his cruel adversaties.
1. A Psalm of David, Lord, I call upon thee, hasten unto me: [viz. To come unto me, i.e. come speedily to help and succour me] take my voice to ear (or hearken to my voice) [i.e. to my prayer, as straightway, v.2.] when I call unto thee.
2. Let my prayer be put as an incense before thy face: [Which was wont to be made upon the Incense-altar in the Tabernacle, Exodus 30:7,8,34: His meaning here is, that his prayer may be as acceptable, as the Incense and offerings were, made according to the Institutions of the Law] the lifting up of my hands, [i.e. my prayer, which I make with hands lifted up, or, palms, as it is in the Hebrew; it being usual in great devotion, to lift up the hands or palms frequently up towards heaven, as wishing and expecting to receive Gods blessings thence. Compare Job 11:13. and Psalm 44.v.21. and 63.v.5. and 88.10. Lament.2.19. and 3.41. see likewise, 1 Kings 8.on v.22. and Psalm 28.on v.2.] (as) the evening sacrifice. [which was wont to be offered every evening. See Exodus 29:39. 40,41,42. Numbers 28:2,3. And 8.]
3. LORD, set a watch before my mouth: [viz. That nothing may issue thence, unbecoming me; that in no wise I may repine and murmur in this my straight and distress, which mine enemies do put upon me, by their restless and grievous persecutions] keep (or gard) the door of my lips. [or, a guard to the door, etc.]
4. And do not encline my heart to an evil thing. [viz. By Satan, or my own corrupt nature. For to speak properly, God tempest none to evil, James 1:13,14. 1 Cor.7.5. But Satan doth 1 Chron.21.1. compared with 2 Sam.24.1. so also Matth.6.13.] to handle (or manage) any matter (or business) [or feats, tricks, plots, practices, pretences, as Deut.22.v.14,17.] in wickedness [or wickedly] with men that work unrighteousness; [i.e. with men of great account] an let me not eat of their dainties. [i.e. let me not be drawn and enticed by the prosperous and delicious days which they enjoy, so as to desire any participation with them.]
5. Let the righteous smite me, [The Hebrew word doth properly signify to hammer, or beat and strike with hammers, Jud.5.26. Psalms 74:6. it doth also signify, seriously to exhort and admonish one, (inculcate a thing) Proverbs 23:35.] it shall be bounty; [or kindness: friendship, courtesy, discretion; the sence is, I shall take it as a kindness and friendship, to be admonished or reproved by a righteous man; it being done out of a good mind, and to a good end and purpose. See and compare, Proverbs 9:8. and 25.12. and 27.6. and 28.23. Zach.13.6.] and let him correct me, it shall be oyle of the head: [i.e. most precious oyle. So Exodus 30.v.23. the chiefest and most excellent spiceries are called, head-spiceries: nevertheless, it may likewise properly be taken here to signify such oyle, as the head usually was anointed withal. Compare Psalms 23:5.] it shall not break my head: [that said beating and correcting of me, or powering out this oyle upon me it shall not onely do me no hurt, but shall be as grateful and useful to me, as a precious oyle or ointment. Some read; let him not break off the same (on) my head: that the sense should be, let him freely correct me, without fear, without remission, for though he continue to reprove me, I shall not give over to pray for him in his adversity, as followeth] for yet shall my prayer likewise be (for them) in their adversities.
6. Their judges were left free at [Or, over] the side of the rock [Heb. The hands of, etc. This passage should seem to have regard to the History, 1 Sam.26.23,24,25. Where David, having Saul and his officers in his power, spared them nevertheless, and afterwards convinced them of his innocence, with a friendly remonstrance. Others, when their Judges shall be thrown headlong down at the sides of the rock (or, rockside) that is, fearfully destroyed, then will it be heard, that my sayings that they were acceptable. [or, sweet pleasant delightful: doing harm to none, and therefore worthy to be embraced, and entertained; or, as some conjecture, it will perceived, that my prayers made for the godly, in their affliction, were acceptable to God, and heard by him. This sixth verse may likewise be rendered and read in this manner: Their Governors set themselves down at the rock sides, although they heard my sayings, that they are pleasant. i.e. they lurk and lie in wait for me and my people, whilest we are hiding our selves in the rocks: notwithstanding, they heard my friendly and discreet Remonstrance. See 1 Sam.v.26. and chap.24.v.3. Item 2 Sam.24.10.]
7. Our bones [Mine and my peoples or souldiers] are scattered at the mouth of the grave, [i.e. we are even past hope and recovery, being in a manner cut and cleft asunder, and become like so many dead mens bones, sit for nothing but the grave] like as if some body had cleft and divided (something) upon the ground: [or, as if some body were cutting and cleaving (wood) against the ground. i.e. that which lies on that ground, and from which the chips are scattered here and there: otherwise, like as he which cleaves the land (or ground) cutting, with the plough namely, (so) are our bones scattered towards the mouth of the grave, (or hell.]
8. Yet mine eyes are upon thee LORD, Lord, in thee do I trust, uncover not my soul. [i.e. my help, my life, namely, from thy help and assistance.]
9. Keep me from the power [Hebr. Hands] of the snare (which) they have laid for me, [See Job 5.on verse 20.] and (from) the traps of the workers of unrighteousness.
10. Let the wicked every one fall into his (own, or, Gods) yarn [i.e. every one into that yarn which they have set up or laid for me and mine] together, till I shall be past by. [Understand, both my self, and these that are with me; or I, accompanied with thy grace and favour; or until I pass by altogether, i.e. till I am past all danger.]