Bibelkommentare

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Thou hast covered my head - Not only when I fought with the proud blaspheming Philistine; but in the various attempts made against my life by my sworn enemies.

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.