Psalms 140:2

2 who plan evil[a] in their hearts. They stir up wars all day long.

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 Rescue me, Lord, from evil men. Keep me safe from violent men
2 who plan evil in their hearts. They stir up wars all day long.
3 They make their tongues as sharp as a snake's bite; viper's venom is under their lips. Selah
4 Protect me, Lord, from the clutches of the wicked. Keep me safe from violent men who plan to make me stumble.
5 The proud hide a trap with ropes for me; they spread a net along the path and set snares for me. Selah

Footnotes 1

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