Bible Commentary

Psalms 140:8-13

Matthew Henry on Psalms 140:8-13

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

Believers may pray that God would not grant the desires of the wicked, nor further their evil devices. False accusers will bring mischief upon themselves, even the burning coals of Divine vengeance. And surely the righteous shall dwell in God's presence, and give him thanks for evermore.

This is true thanksgiving, even thanks-living: this use we should make of all our deliverances, we should serve God the more closely and cheerfully. Those who, though evil spoken of and ill-used by men, are righteous in the sight of God, being justified by the righteousness of Christ, which is imputed to them, and received by faith, as the effect of which, they live soberly and righteously; these give thanks to the Lord, for the righteousness whereby they are made righteous, and for every blessing of grace, and mercy of life.

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commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 140:1-13Our adversary and our Defense. Some there are who unhesitatingly and strongly condemn this psalm: they say it moves only on the low plane of bodily needs; it never mounts up to holy, spiritual desire at all. Further, it…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 140:1-13EXPOSITION MAINLY a psalm of supplication. David is in great straits, threatened by violent and malignant enemies (Psalms 140:1-5), against whom he prays to God for aid (Psalms 140:1, Psalms 140:4, Psalms 140:6, Psalms…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 140:1-13In danger. The position of the psalmist is that of a man in danger. His enemies are strong and cunning; they are bent on his destruction, and spare no pains to accomplish his ruin. At such a time the godly man has one r…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 140:8Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked. The "desires of the wicked" are hurtful both to themselves and others. It is in his mercy that God does not grant them. Further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themse…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 140:9As for the head of those that compass me about. The "head" of David's enemies is put in contrast with his own "head" (see Psalms 140:7). While God shields and protects his head, theirs has no protection, but the mischie…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 140:10Let burning coals fall upon them, or, "burning coals shall be thrown upon them." Let them be cast (or, "they shall be cast") into the fire, into deep pits, that they rise not up again. The clauses are declaratory rather…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 140:11Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth; literally, a man of tongue shall not be established is the land—a man, i.e; of pretence and seeming, who talks grandly, but effects nothing. Such a one shall not obta…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 140:12I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted. The psalmist is confident, not only that the wicked will be punished, but also that the righteous, whatever sufferings may come upon them, will ultimately b…Joseph S. Exell and contributors