PSALM CXLI _The psalmist prays that his devotions may be accepted_, 1, 2. _That he may be enabled so to watch that he do not offend with_ _his tongue; and that he may be preserved from wickedness_, 3, 4. _His willingness to receive reproof_, 5. _He complains of disasters_, 6, 7. _His trust in... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 141:2. AS _INCENSE_] Incense was offered every morning and evening before the Lord, on the golden altar, before the veil of the sanctuary. Exodus 29:39, and Numbers 28:4. AS _THE EVENING SACRIFICE._] This was a burnt-offering, accompanied with flour and salt. But it does not appear th... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 141:3. _SET A WATCH, O LORD, BEFORE MY MOUTH_] While there are so many spies on my actions and words, I have need to be doubly guarded, that my enemies may have no advantage against me. Some think the prayer is against _impatience_; but if he were now going to Gath, it is more natural t... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 141:4. _LET ME EAT NOT OF THEIR DAINTIES._] This may refer either to eating things _forbidden by the law_; or to the partaking in _banquets_ or _feasts in honour of idols_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 141:5. _LET THE RIGHTEOUS SMITE ME_] This verse is extremely difficult in the original. The following translation, in which the _Syriac, Vulgate, Septuagint, AEthiopic_, and _Arabic_ nearly agree, appears to me to be the best: "Let the righteous chastise me in mercy, and instruct me: bu... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 141:6. _WHEN THEIR JUDGES ARE OVERTHROWN IN STONY PLACES_] בידי סלע _biyedey sela_, "In the hands of the rock." Does this _rock_ signify a _strong_ or _fortified place_; and its _hands_ the _garrison_ which have occupied it, by whom these judges were overthrown? If we knew the occasion... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 141:8. _BUT MINE EYES_ ARE _UNTO THEE_] In all times, in all places, on all occasions, I will cleave unto the Lord, and put my whole confidence in him.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 141:10. _LET THE WICKED FALL INTO THEIR OWN NETS_] This is generally the case; those who lay snares for others fall into them themselves. _Harm watch, harm catch_, says the old adage. How many cases have occurred where the spring guns that have been set for thieves have shot some of the... [ Continue Reading ]