5 The proud hid a snare for me -- and cords, They spread a net by the side of the path, Snares they have set for me. Selah.
For without cause they hid for me their netpit, Without cause they digged for my soul.
When my spirit hath been feeble in me, Then Thou hast known my path; In the way `in' which I walk, They have hid a snare for me.
A net they have prepared for my steps, Bowed down hath my soul, They have digged before me a pit, They have fallen into its midst. Selah.
Keep me from the gin they laid for me, Even snares of workers of iniquity. The wicked fall in their nets together, till I pass over!
And, having watched `him', they sent forth liers in wait, feigning themselves to be righteous, that they might take hold of his word, to deliver him up to the rule and to the authority of the governor, and they questioned him, saying, `Teacher, we have known that thou dost say and teach rightly, and dost not accept a person, but in truth the way of God dost teach; Is it lawful to us to give tribute to Caesar or not?' And he, having perceived their craftiness, said unto them, `Why me do ye tempt?
And in his speaking these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began fearfully to urge and to press him to speak about many things, laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.
Is evil recompensed instead of good, That they have dug a pit for my soul? Remember my standing before Thee to speak good of them, To turn back Thy wrath from them.
A man taking a portion above his neighbour, Spreadeth a net for his own steps.
Seize on the heel doth a gin, Prevail over him do the designing.
The wicked have laid a snare for me, And from thy precepts I wandered not.
The proud have digged for me pits, That `are' not according to Thy law.
Let not a foot of pride meet me, And a hand of the wicked let not move me.
Bring me out from the net that they hid for me, For Thou `art' my strength.
Keep me as the apple, the daughter of the eye; In shadow of Thy wings thou dost hide me. From the face of the wicked who spoiled me. Mine enemies in soul go round against me. Their fat they have closed up, Their mouths have spoken with pride: `Our steps now have compassed `him';' Their eyes they set to turn aside in the land. His likeness as a lion desirous to tear, As a young lion dwelling in secret places. Arise, O Jehovah, go before his face, Cause him to bend. Deliver my soul from the wicked, Thy sword,
The wicked according to the height of his face, inquireth not. `God is not!' `are' all his devices. Pain do his ways at all times, On high `are' Thy judgments before him, All his adversaries -- he puffeth at them. He hath said in his heart, `I am not moved,' To generation and generation not in evil. Of oaths his mouth is full, And deceits, and fraud: Under his tongue `is' perverseness and iniquity, He doth sit in an ambush of the villages, In secret places he doth slay the innocent. His eyes for the afflicted watch secretly, He lieth in wait in a secret place, as a lion in a covert. He lieth in wait to catch the poor, He catcheth the poor, drawing him into his net. He is bruised -- he boweth down, Fallen by his mighty ones hath the afflicted. He said in his heart, `God hath forgotten, He hath hid His face, He hath never seen.' Arise, O Jehovah! O God, lift up Thy hand! Forget not the humble.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Psalms 140
Commentary on Psalms 140 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 140
Ps 140:1-13. The style of this Psalm resembles those of David in the former part of the book, presenting the usual complaint, prayer, and confident hope of relief.
1. evil man—Which of David's enemies is meant is not important.
2-5. This character of the wicked, and the devices planned against the pious, correspond to Ps 10:7; 31:13; 58:4, &c.
3. sharpened … like a serpent—not like a serpent does, but they are thus like a serpent in cunning and venom.
5. snare [and] net—for threatening dangers (compare Ps 38:12; 57:6).
6. (Compare Ps 5:1-12; 16:2).
7. day of battle—literally, "of armor," that is, when using it.
8. (Compare Ps 37:12; 66:7).
lest they exalt themselves—or, they will be exalted if permitted to prosper.
9. Contrasts his head covered by God (Ps 140:7) with theirs, or (as "head" may be used for "persons") with them, covered with the results of their wicked deeds (Ps 7:16).
10. (Compare Ps 11:6; 120:4).
cast into the fire; into deep pits—figures for utter destruction.
11. an evil speaker—or, "slanderer" will not be tolerated (Ps 101:7). The last clause may be translated: "an evil (man) He (God) shall hunt," &c.
12. (Compare Ps 9:4).
13. After all changes, the righteous shall have cause for praise. Such
shall dwell—shall sit securely, under God's protection (Ps 21:6; 41:12).