Psalms 140:2

2 They are always plotting evil, always stirring up quarrels.

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 Save me, Lord, from evildoers; keep me safe from violent people.
2 They are always plotting evil, always stirring up quarrels.
3 Their tongues are like deadly snakes; their words are like a cobra's poison.
4 Protect me, Lord, from the power of the wicked; keep me safe from violent people who plot my downfall.
5 The proud have set a trap for me; they have laid their snares, and along the path they have set traps to catch me.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.