Psalm 141:8

8 But my eyes are fixed on You, O GOD the Lord. In You I seek refuge; do not leave my soul defenseless. ^[a]

Psalm 141:8 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 141:8

But mine eyes are unto thee, O God the Lord
Not only the eyes of his body, lifted up to God in prayer, this being a prayer gesture, ( John 11:41 ) ( 17:1 ) ; but the eyes of his mind, or understanding, especially the eyes of faith and love; for it is expressive of his affection to God, his holy confidence in him, and humble hope and expectation of good things from him, in this his time of distress: his eyes were to him and him only, both for temporal food for himself and his men; and for spiritual food, for all supplies of grace, for wisdom and direction, for strength and assistance, for protection and deliverance; in thee is my trust;
not in himself, nor in his friends, nor in any creature, prince or potentate, but in the Lord, as the God of nature, providence, and grace; to which he was encouraged by his lovingkindness to him; by the everlasting strength in him; by what he had done for others and for him in times past; by the provisions he has made in his covenant and promises for those that trust in him, who are of all men most happy; leave not my soul destitute;
of daily food, of help and assistance, of the presence, spirit, and grace of God; or "naked" ^F7, and defenceless, but let it be surrounded or protected by almighty power and grace; or "pour not out my soul" ^F8, that is, unto death; suffer me not to be taken by enemies and slain; see ( Isaiah 53:12 ) . The Targum is,

``in the Word (of the Lord) I trust, do not empty my soul,''

or "evacuate" ^F9 it, as Aben Ezra; that is, out of his body; for he observes, that the soul fills the body.

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FOOTNOTES:

F7 (ret la) "ne nudes", Junius & Tremellius; so Piscator.
F8 "Ne effandas", Pagninus, Montanus, Vatablus, Musculus.
F9 "Ne evacues", Cocceius, Gejerus, Michaelis.

Psalm 141:8 In-Context

6 When their rulers are thrown down from the cliffs, the people will listen to my words, for they are pleasant.

7 As when one plows and breaks up the soil, so our bones have been scattered at the mouth of Sheol.

8 But my eyes are fixed on You, O GOD the Lord. In You I seek refuge; do not leave my soul defenseless.

9 Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, and from the lures of evildoers.

10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety.

Footnotes

• [a] Or do not pour out my life or do not give me over to death