Psalms 140:8

8 "Do not grant, O LORD, the 1desires of the wicked; Do not promote 2his evil device, that they not be exalted. Selah.

Psalms 140:8 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 140:8

Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked
Of Doeg, as the Targum, and of other wicked men, who were desirous both of taking him, and of taking away his life: but the desires of such men are under the restraints of the Lord; nor can they fulfil them unless they have leave from him, which is here deprecated. The psalmist entreats he might not be delivered up to their will, or they have their will of him; see ( Psalms 27:12 ) . Jarchi interprets it of Esau, as in ( Psalms 140:1 ) ; and it is applicable enough to antichrist and his wicked followers; who, could they have their desires, would root the Gospel, and the interest of Christ and his people, out of the world; further not his wicked device:
or, "let not his wicked device come forth" F12, or proceed to execution, or be brought to perfection; let him be disappointed in it, that he may not be able to perform his enterprise, or execute his designs; which cannot be done without the divine permission. The Rabbins, as Jarchi and others, render it, "let not his bridle come out" F13; the bridle out of his jaws, with which he was held by the Lord, and restrained from doing his will; let him not be left to his liberty, and freed from the restraints of divine Providence; see ( Isaiah 37:29 ) ; [lest] they exalt themselves.
Grow proud, haughty, and insolent to God and man; see ( Deuteronomy 32:27 ) . Or, "let them not be exalted" F14; upon the ruin of me and my friends. Selah; on this word, (See Gill on Psalms 3:2).


FOOTNOTES:

F12 (qpt la) "ne facias prodire", Vatablus; "ne sinas exire", Cocceius, Michaelis.
F13 "Vel frenum ejus ne sinas exire", Cocceius.
F14 (wmwry) "ne exaltentur", Vatablus, Gejerus.

Psalms 140:8 In-Context

6 I said to the LORD , "You are my God; Give ear, O LORD , to the voice of my supplications.
7 "O GOD the Lord , the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle.
8 "Do not grant, O LORD , the desires of the wicked; Do not promote his evil device, that they not be exalted. Selah.
9 "As for the head of those who surround me, May the mischief of their lips cover them.
10 "May burning coals fall upon them; May they be cast into the fire, Into deep pits from which they cannot rise.

Cross References 2

  • 1. Psalms 112:10
  • 2. Esther 9:25; Psalms 10:2, 3
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