Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary

Psalms 140

Public-domain commentary by Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown.

Commentary Notes

12 sections

Psalms 140:1

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.

Ps 140 1-Ps 140 13

Psalms 140:2

2-5. This character of the wicked, and the devices planned against the pious, correspond to Ps 10:7; 31:13; 58:4, &c.

Ps 10 7
Ps 31 13
Ps 58 4

Psalms 140:3

3. sharpened … like a serpent —not like a serpent does, but they are thus like a serpent in cunning and venom.

Psalms 140:5

5. snare [and] net —for threatening dangers (compare Ps 38:12; 57:6).

Ps 38 12
Ps 57 6

Psalms 140:6

6. (Compare Ps 5:1-12; 16:2).

Ps 5 1-Ps 5 12
Ps 16 2

Psalms 140:7

7. day of battle —literally, "of armor," that is, when using it.

Psalms 140:8

8. (Compare Ps 37:12; 66:7).

lest they exalt themselves —or, they will be exalted if permitted to prosper.

Ps 37 12
Ps 66 7

Psalms 140:9

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).