Bible Commentary

Psalms 141

Psalms 141 — Overview

John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible · John Gill (1697–1771) · Public Domain

Psalm of David. 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.

Ver. 1. Lord, I cry unto thee,.... With great earnestness, importunity, and fervency, being in distress; and knowing vain was the help of man, and that none could deliver him but the Lord, and therefore continued crying unto him for help ;make haste unto me; which shows he was in a desperate condition; that he could not help himself, nor could any creature, only the Lord; and he was at a distance from him, as it seemed to him, and he delayed assistance; and therefore desires he would immediately draw nigh and be a present help in his time of need, and work speedy deliverance for him, his case requiring haste;give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee; a request the psalmist frequently makes, not contenting himself with prayer, without desiring and looking for an answer to it.

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Psalms 141 — OverviewPsalms 141 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleDavid was in distress when he penned this psalm, pursued, it is most likely, by Saul, that violent man. Is any distressed? Let him pray; David did so, and had the comfort of it. I. He prays for God's favourable…Psalms 141 — OverviewPsalms 141 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgePsalms 141:1, David prays that his suit may be acceptable; Psalms 141:3, his conscience sincere; Psalms 141:7, and his life free from snares.Psalms 141:1-4Psalms 141:1-4 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleMercy to accept what we do well, and grace to keep us from doing ill, are the two things which we are here taught by David's example to pray to God for. I. David loved prayer, and he begs of God that his prayers…Psalms 141:1Psalms 141:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryLord, I cry unto thee; make haste unto me. The need is pressing and urgent. God is therefore entreated to "hasten" (comp. Psalms 22:19; Psalms 31:2; Psalms 38:22; Psalms 40:17, etc.). Give ear unto my voice, when I cry…Psalms 141:1Psalms 141:1 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe plea of former prayer. Associating this psalm with David, Spurgeon thinks we have here "David under suspicion, half afraid to speak lest he should speak unadvisedly while trying to clear himself; David slandered…Psalms 141:1-10Psalms 141:1-10 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION ALMOST wholly a psalm of supplication. David is again in danger, and needs a prompt deliverance (Psalms 141:1). This time the danger seems to be that he may fall away, and be absorbed into the company of the…