The psalmist prays for rescue and wisdom, and he envisions the end of evil. The principle of retribution (141:10) unifies the psalm.
ⓘThe psalmist prays urgently for rescue. He does...
The psalmist prays urgently for rescue. He does not have at hand either incense or an evening offering (Exod 29:38–39), but his prayers and devotion are the reality that those elements represent (cp. Isa 1:13; Rev 5:8).
1I call upon You, O LORD; come quickly to me.Hear my voice when I call to You.2May my prayer be set before You like incense;my uplifted hands, like the evening offering.ⓘWisdom sometimes requires protection from oneself. One could...
Wisdom sometimes requires protection from oneself. One could say or think things that lead to the evil path (Prov 13:3; 21:23).
3Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth;keep watch at the door of my lips.4Do not let my heart be drawn to any evil thingor take part in works of wickednesswith men who do iniquity;let me not feast on their delicacies.5Let the righteous man strike me;let his rebuke be an act of loving devotion.It is oil for my head; let me not refuse it.For my prayer is ever against the deeds of the wicked.6When their rulers are thrown down from the cliffs,the people will listen to my words,for they are pleasant.7As when one plows and breaks up the soil,so our bones have been scattered at the mouth of Sheol.8But my eyes are fixed on You,O GOD the Lord.In You I seek refuge;do not leave my soul defenseless.†9Keep me from the snares they have laid for me,and from the luresof evildoers.10Let the wicked fall into their own nets,while I pass by in safety.