Psalms 140:2

2 They plan evil things in their hearts they continually stir up bitter strife.

Psalms 140:2 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 140:2

Which imagine mischiefs in [their] heart
This shows that not a single person barely is meant but more, as Saul's courtiers; who were secretly and continually meditating mischief against David, traducing him to Saul, and devising things to take away his life. Such were the Jews to Christ, who were always plotting to entangle him, or contriving to kill him; and so wicked men are ever devising mischief against the quiet in the land, which is very abominable to God; and rightly observed here, to prevail upon the Lord to preserve from them, ( Psalms 2:1 ) ( Proverbs 6:18 ) ;

continually are they gathered together [for] war;
so Saul gathered together three thousand men, and went in pursuit of David, as an enemy, to take him. So Herod and Pontius Pilate joined together, though before enemies, in the prosecution of Christ; and Jews and Gentiles gathered together against him: so the saints, being in a warfare state, have their enemies, who often combine against them, and attack them, and will not suffer them to be at rest and peace; as sin, Satan, the world, and false teachers; see ( Psalms 120:7 ) .

Psalms 140:2 In-Context

1 For the leader. A psalm of David: Rescue me, ADONAI, from evil people, protect me from violent people.
2 They plan evil things in their hearts they continually stir up bitter strife.
3 They have made their tongues as sharp as a snake's; viper's venom is under their lips. (Selah)
4 Keep me, ADONAI, from the hands of the wicked, protect me from violent people who are trying to trip me up.
5 The arrogant hide snares for me; they spread nets by the side of the road, hoping to trap me there. (Selah)
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.