Psalms 141:1-8

1 {A Psalm of David.} Jehovah, I have called upon thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I call unto thee.

2 Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening oblation.

3 Set a watch, O Jehovah, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.

4 Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise deeds of wickedness with men that are workers of iniquity; and let me not eat of their dainties.

5 Let the righteous smite me, it is kindness; and let him reprove me, it is an excellent oil which my head shall not refuse: for yet my prayer also is [for them] in their calamities.

6 When their judges are thrown down from the rocks, they shall hear my words, for they are sweet.

7 Our bones are scattered at the mouth of Sheol, as when one cutteth and cleaveth [wood] upon the earth.

8 For unto thee, Jehovah, Lord, are mine eyes; in thee do I trust: leave not my soul destitute.

Psalms 141:1-8 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 141

\\<>\\. This psalm was written about the same time, and upon the same occasion, as that going before and what follows after; even when David was persecuted by Saul, and when he was in great danger of his enemies, and snares were laid for his life.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or 'smite me in kindness.'
• [b]. Or 'it is oil for the head; let not my head refuse it.'
• [c]. Or 'is against their evil deeds.'
• [d]. Or 'cleaveth the earth.'
• [e]. Or 'Let not my soul be laid bare' or 'poured out.'