Psalm 141:1-10 Lord, I cry to you: make haste to me; give ear to my voice, when I cry to you.… The psalm has some peculiar difficulties, due to the extreme abruptness with which the thoughts follow one another, and the great obscurity which hangs over the allusions. Let us try and select the principal thoughts. 1. The psalmist was threatened with some immediate danger which could brook no delay. (Ver. 1.) Like the disciples in the storm on the lake. If relief comes at all, it must come at once. 2. He seeks that his prayer to this end may be as acceptable as the incense of sacrifice. (Ver. 2.) True prayer more effectual than sacrifice. 3. But, though danger is close at hand, he would be preserved from hasty words. (Ver. 3.) Religion should help us to be self-contained in the presence of danger. 4. Though wickedness may seem to prosper, we must not be tempted by its success. (Ver. 4.) If men become rich in evil doing, we must not be seduced by the prospects of similar gain. 5. The wounds of a friend are better than the kisses of an enemy. (Ver. 5.) It is good to welcome reproof from the righteous, even though it seems harsh. 6. Prayer is a better defense against persecutors than retaliation. (Ver. 5.) If we cannot conquer wickedness, we have still the resource and the comfort of prayer for our enemies. 7. When the leaders of insurrection are overthrown, then their followers should hear words of forgiveness. (Ver. 6.) A true sovereign will delight more in amnesty than in punishment. His words will be sweet to the guilty. So also in private relations. 8. The bones of those straitened in a righteous cause are as seed cast into soil that has been ploughed. (Ver. 7.) "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church." The allusion here is obscure; but the above would make a good meaning. 9. But do not give up my life to destruction; but rescue me. (Ver. 8-10.) This the repetition of the prayer at the beginning of the psalm. How much all prayer is a repetition, because the some wants and desires are continually recurring! - S. Parallel Verses KJV: {A Psalm of David.} LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee.WEB: Yahweh, I have called on you. Come to me quickly! Listen to my voice when I call to you. |
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