Psalm 141:5-10

5 ¹Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness; let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it. Yet ²my prayer is continually against their evil deeds.

6 When their judges are ³thrown over the cliff, ^[a] then they shall hear my words, for they are pleasant.

7 As when one plows and breaks up the earth, so shall our bones ⁴be scattered at the mouth of Sheol. ^[b]

8 But ⁵my eyes are toward you, O God, my Lord; ⁶in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless! ^[c]

9 Keep me from ⁷the trap that they have laid for me and from the snares of evildoers!

10 Let the wicked ⁸fall into their own nets, while I pass by safely.

Psalm 141:5-10 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.

Cross References

• 1. 141:5 [Prov. 9:8; 19:25; 25:12; 27:6; Eccles. 7:5]
• 2. 141:5 [Ps. 109:4]
• 3. 141:6 2 Chr. 25:12; [Luke 4:29]
• 4. 141:7 Ps. 53:5; [Ezek. 37:1]
• 5. 141:8 Ps. 25:15
• 6. 141:8 See Ps. 11:1
• 7. 141:9 See Ps. 140:5
• 8. 141:10 [Ps. 7:15]

Footnotes

• [a] 141:6 Or 'When their judges fall into the hands of the Rock'
• [b] 141:7 The meaning of the Hebrew in verses 6, 7 is uncertain
• [c] 141:8 Hebrew 'refuge; do not pour out my life!'