Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Psalms 141:8
But mine eyes [are] unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.
8. But mine eyes ] The conjunction must be rendered For, which gives no sense in connexion with Psa 141:7. It must introduce the reason for the prayers of Psa 141:1-4, or for the resolution to continue in prayer with which Psa 141:5 ends. The impossibility of connecting Psa 141:8 with Psa 141:6-7 is an additional reason for thinking that these verses are misplaced.
mine eyes are unto thee ] The attitude of expectant prayer. Cp. Psa 25:15, note.
O God the Lord ] Jehovah, Lord. Cp. Psa 140:7, and see note on Psa 109:21.
in thee is my trust ] In thee have I taken refuge. He has put himself under Jehovah’s protection, and appeals to Him on the ground of this relationship. Cp. Psa 2:12; Psa 7:1; Psa 57:1, and many other passages.
leave not my soul destitute ] Rather, as R.V. marg., pour not thou out my life, suffer me not to perish. Cp. Isa 53:12. The figure is explained by the identification of life with the blood.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
8 10. Concluding expression of confidence, with prayer for preservation and deliverance.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
But mine eyes are unto thee, O God the Lord – My hope is in thee. I do not rely on my own power. I do not trust in my armed forces. I know that they are weak, dispirited, scattered – like strewed bones – like the chips and splinters lying around the place where wood is chopped. I look, therefore, solely to God. I believe that he will interpose; and now that my enemy has placed himself in this position, I do not need to resort to stealthful arts – to dishonorable acts – to assassination – as my friends advise, but the object will be accomplished, and I shall be placed on the throne by the act of God, and in a manner that will not subject my name and memory to reproach by a base and treacherous deed.
In thee is my trust – I rely on thee alone.
Leave not my soul destitute – My life; my all. Do not now leave me without thy gracious interposition; do not suffer this juncture to pass by without such an interposition as will end the war, and restore peace to me and to a distracted land.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 8. But mine eyes are unto thee] In all times, in all places, on all occasions, I will cleave unto the Lord, and put my whole confidence in him.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Or, naked, as this word signifies, Psa 137:7, and Aaron is said to have made the people naked, Exo 32:25, i.e. deprived of thy favour and protection. Or, do not pour out my soul, to wit, unto death, as this word is used, Isa 53:12.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
But mine eyes are unto thee, O God the Lord,…. Not only the eyes of his body, lifted up to God in prayer, this being a prayer gesture, Joh 11:41; but the eyes of his mind, or understanding, especially the eyes of faith and love; for it is expressive of his affection to God, his holy confidence in him, and humble hope and expectation of good things from him, in this his time of distress: his eyes were to him and him only, both for temporal food for himself and his men; and for spiritual food, for all supplies of grace, for wisdom and direction, for strength and assistance, for protection and deliverance;
in thee is my trust; not in himself, nor in his friends, nor in any creature, prince or potentate, but in the Lord, as the God of nature, providence, and grace; to which he was encouraged by his lovingkindness to him; by the everlasting strength in him; by what he had done for others and for him in times past; by the provisions he has made in his covenant and promises for those that trust in him, who are of all men most happy;
leave not my soul destitute; of daily food, of help and assistance, of the presence, spirit, and grace of God; or “naked” g, and defenceless, but let it be surrounded or protected by almighty power and grace; or “pour not out my soul” h, that is, unto death; suffer me not to be taken by enemies and slain; see Isa 53:12. The Targum is,
“in the Word (of the Lord) I trust, do not empty my soul,”
or “evacuate” i it, as Aben Ezra; that is, out of his body; for he observes, that the soul fills the body.
g “ne nudes”, Junius Tremellius so Piscator. h “Ne effandas”, Pagninus, Montanus, Vatablus, Musculus. i “Ne evacues”, Cocceius, Gejerus, Michaelis.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
If Psa 141:7 is not merely an expression of the complaint, but at the same time of hope, we now have no need to give the the adversative sense of imo, but we may leave it its most natural confirmatory signification namque. From this point the Psalm gradually dies away in strains comparatively easy to be understood and in perfect keeping with the situation. In connection with Psa 141:8 one is reminded of Psa 25:15; Psa 31:2; with Psa 141:9., of Psa 7:16; Psa 69:23, and other passages. In “pour not out ( with sharpened vowel instead of , Ges. 75, rem. 8) my soul,” , Piel, is equivalent to the Hiph. in Isa 53:12. are as it were the hands of the seizing and capturing snare; and is virtually a genitive: qui insidias tendunt mihi , since one cannot say , ponere laqueum . , nets, in Psa 141:10 is another hapaxlegomenon; the enallage numeri is as in Psa 62:5; Isa 2:8; Isa 5:23, – the singular that slips in refers what is said of the many to each individual in particular. The plural for , Psa 18:6; Psa 64:6, also occurs only here. is to be explained as in 4:9: it is intended to express the coincidence of the overthrow of the enemies and the going forth free of the persecuted one. With the poet gives prominence to his simultaneous, distinct destiny: simul ego dum ( as in Job 8:21, cf. Job 1:18) praetereo h.e. evado . The inverted position of the in Psa 18:10-12 may be compared; with Psa 120:7 and 2Ki 2:14, however (where instead of it is with Thenius to be read ), the case is different.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
8. Because to thee, O Jehovah ! etc. If we reflect upon what was comprehended under the previous figure of their bones being broken, his praying in such circumstances is just as if the torn fragments of a mangled corpse should cry unto God. This may give us some idea of the heroical courage of David, who could continue to direct his eyes to God even under such overwhelming difficulties; this being the very part faith ought to discharge, in making us collected and composed when our senses would otherwise be confounded. (243) Great a miracle as it would have been for God to have preserved them in life, when their bones were scattered abroad, it was a double miracle to support their minds in the firm persuasion of their not perishing.
(243) “ C’est le propre de la foy de rassembler lessens de la personne dispersez, lequels autrement s’esvanouiroyent a chacun coup.” — Fr.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(8, 9) Comp. Psa. 25:15.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
8, 9. In these verses David declares his sole trust in God. He admits that human resources had utterly failed. His prayer is plaintive.
Leave not my soul destitute Do not make my soul empty, or naked.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Psa 141:8. But mine eyes, &c. When we reflect upon the surprising generosity of David towards Saul, it naturally excites one’s curiosity to know the principle upon which he acted. A conduct so extraordinary must needs have some extraordinary basis for its support; I mean some fixed religious principle, which could enable him to surmount all difficulties. This is discovered to us in the present verse; and it is the noblest and simplest that can be imagined, namely, a firm trust in God, as the great Lord and Ruler of the world, and a steady resolution to obey him in all his commands: For mine eyes are unto thee, Jehovah, my Lord; in thee have I trusted. Among the sayings of Pythagoras this was one, , simplify thyself, i.e. “Reduce thy conduct, if possible, to one single aim, and pursue it without weariness or distraction.” If this single aim be, to approve ourselves to God by such a course of life as he prescribes; to adhere strictly to our duty, with an eye to him who has commanded it, and patiently submit the issue of things to his all-wise and gracious providence; we have then hit upon that principle which here appears to have animated David, and may with confidence address our prayers, through the blood of the Covenant, to the great Lord and Sovereign of all the world, in all our straits and difficulties, as he does in the following part of the psalm. In thee have I trusted; make not my soul naked: i.e. “Suffer it not to become naked and exposed to the assaults and machinations of my enemies:” for, in the language of the holy scripture, God is often said to do, what he permits or suffers to be done. But whether David here prays to have his life preserved from danger, or his soul from sin, may admit of a question. The words will suit either explanation, and probably he might intend both; but chiefly the latter. We have seen from Psa 141:4 how earnestly he begs that God would protect him by his grace from complying with the idolatrous practices of the heathen, to whom he was about to fly for refuge; and it is remarkable, that in his last speech to Saul, he particularly dwells upon the danger to which his religion was exposed, 1Sa 26:19. They have driven me out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the Lord, saying, Go, serve other gods. As if he had said, “They have done what lies in their power to drive me to idolatry, by forcing me into a country where I shall have the strongest temptations to it.” This was a thing he seems to have dreaded more than death; and therefore he prays against it in the next verse. Peters.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Psa 141:8 But mine eyes [are] unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.
Ver. 8. But mine eyes are unto thee ] Afflictions to the saints are tanquam scalae et alae, to mount them to God.
Leave not my soul destitute
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Psa 141:8-10
8For my eyes are toward You, O God, the Lord;
In You I take refuge; do not leave me defenseless.
9Keep me from the jaws of the trap which they have set for me,
And from the snares of those who do iniquity.
10Let the wicked fall into their own nets,
While I pass by safely.
Psa 141:8 a This is the psalmist’s affirmation of faith in the covenant God of Israel. For YHWH and Adon see SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY .
Psa 141:8 b refuge This is a common verb (BDB 340, KB 337, Qal perfect) in the Psalter. See notes at Psa 2:12 online (www.freebiblecommentary.org ).
The second verb (BDB 788, KB 881, Piel jussive) basically means to be naked or to be bare (i.e., exposed). BDB and KB assert that here, and here only, it means poured out (which has a sacrificial connotation, see Hiphil form in Isa 53:12).
me This is the Hebrew nephesh (BDB 659), which denoted the entire person. See note at Gen 35:18 online.
Psa 141:9-10 This is imagery from Israel’s hunting techniques, see notes at Psa 140:4-5.
1. the trap (BDB 809)
2. the snares (BDB 430)
3. nets (BDB 485, found only here but another word for net [BDB 440] is found in Psa 140:5)
Psa 141:10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets Humans reap what they sow! This is a biblical principle stated so often (cf. Job 34:11; Psa 28:4; Psa 62:12; Pro 24:12; Ecc 12:14; Jer 17:10; Jer 32:29; Mat 16:27; Mat 25:31-46; Rom 2:6; Rom 14:12; 1Co 3:8; 2Co 5:10; Gal 6:7; 2Ti 4:14; 1Pe 1:17; Rev 2:23; Rev 20:12; Rev 22:12).
While I pass by safely This verse expresses the expected outcome of the two ways (cf. Deu 30:15; Deu 30:19; Psalms 1).
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk n the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.
1. Why is Psa 141:2 so important to Judaism?
2. Do Psa 141:3-4 support predestination?
3. To what does Psa 141:4 d refer?
4. Is Psa 141:5-7 all about the wicked?
5. What does the rock in Psa 141:6 a mean?
6. Define the two ways. How does Psa 141:10 reference this OT theological assumption?
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
GOD the Lord. Hebrew. Jehovah.Adonai. App-4.
is my trust = have I sought refuge. Hebrew. hasah. App-69.
my soul = me (emphatic). Hebrew. nephesh. App-13.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Psa 141:8-10
Psa 141:8-10
“For mine eyes are unto thee, O Jehovah the Lord:
In thee do I take refuge;
Leave not my soul destitute.
Keep me from the snare which they have laid for me,
And from the gins of the workers of iniquity.
Let the wicked fall into their own nets,
Whilst that I withal escape.”
As noted above, these verses very closely resemble both in terminology and sentiments Psa 140:8-10 of the preceding psalm. There is the same mention of “snares,” “gins” and “nets,” and the same prayer to God for deliverance from such traps, and at the same time a plea for the operation of the lex talionis by the falling of the wicked into the very traps they have laid for the psalmist.
E.M. Zerr:
Psa 141:8. In spite of the sorest of afflictions David maintained his trust in the Lord. Soul is used for the whole being, and the Psalmist prayed that he might not be left entirely defeated; he did not ask for complete freedom from trials.
Psa 141:9. Snares and gins are names of traps set in a hidden manner. David knew they had been placed to capture him but could not always know where they were. He prayed for the Lord to direct his way so that he could avoid them.
Psa 141:10. There was nothing wrong in this wish against the enemies of David. It is the very fate that was decreed for the wicked plotter in Pro 26:27.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
trust
(See Scofield “Psa 2:12”).
Fuente: Scofield Reference Bible Notes
mine eyes: Psa 25:15, Psa 123:1, Psa 123:2, 2Ch 20:12
leave not my soul destitute: Heb. make not my soul bare, Psa 25:16, Psa 25:17, Psa 102:17, Psa 143:3, Psa 143:4, Isa 41:17, Joh 14:18
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Psa 141:8. But mine eyes are unto thee But in this sore distress I fix my thoughts on thee, O God, the Lord, the only living and true God, and governor of all things; in thee is my trust, &c. In thee I repose an assured confidence that thou wilt not leave me without support and protection, much less wilt thou abandon me to the malice of those that seek to take away my life. This verse, says Mr. Peters, shows us what was Davids support under his extraordinary trials: it was a firm trust in God, as the great Lord and Ruler of the world: and a steady resolution to obey him in all things. Among the sayings of Pythagoras this was one, , simplify thyself, that is, reduce thy conduct, if possible, to one single aim, and pursue it without weariness, or distraction. If this single aim be, to approve ourselves to God by such a course of life as he prescribes; to adhere strictly to our duty, with an eye to him who has commanded it, and patiently submit the issue of things to his all-wise and gracious providence; we have then hit upon that principle which here appears to have animated David, and may, with confidence, address our prayers to the great Lord and Sovereign of the world in all our straits and difficulties, as he does in the following part of the Psalm. Leave not my soul destitute Hebrew, make not my soul naked: deprive it not of thy favour and protection: or, do not pour out my soul, namely, unto death, as the same word, , is used, Isa 53:12. In the language of the Holy Scriptures, God is said to do what he only permits or suffers to be done. But whether David here prays to have his life preserved from danger, or his soul from sin, may admit of a question. The words will suit with either explanation, and probably he might intend both; but chiefly the latter. We have seen, from Psa 141:4, how earnestly he begs that God would protect him by his grace from complying with the idolatrous practices of the heathen, to whom he was about to flee for refuge; and it is remarkable that, in his last speech to Saul, he particularly dwells upon the danger to which his religion was exposed, 1Sa 26:19. They have driven me out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the Lord, saying, Go serve other gods. As if he had said, They have done what lies in their power to drive me to idolatry, by forcing me into a country where I shall have the strongest temptations to it. This was a thing he seems to have dreaded more than death; and therefore he prays against it in the next verse.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
3. A request to give protection 141:8-10
David next petitioned the Lord for His defense. His enemies had set traps for him. He prayed that those who set the traps would themselves fall into them, and that God would deliver him.
We who are God’s people should pray regularly for our own sanctification, and for protection from the evil individuals who oppose us, as we seek to walk with God.