Let 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. Let a righteous man strike meThe phrase begins with an invitation for correction from a "righteous man." In Hebrew, the word for "righteous" is "tsaddiq," which denotes someone who is just, ethical, and in right standing with God. The psalmist, David, acknowledges the value of receiving correction from someone who is aligned with God's will. The "strike" here is metaphorical, suggesting a form of discipline or correction that is intended for growth and improvement. In the ancient Near Eastern context, discipline from a righteous person was seen as a form of love and care, much like a shepherd guiding his sheep. it is kindness let him rebuke me it is oil for my head Let me not refuse it for my prayer is ever against the deeds of the wicked Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of this psalm, David is expressing a desire for righteous correction and guidance. 2. Righteous Man Represents those who live according to God's will and are capable of providing godly correction. 3. Wicked Refers to those who act against God's commandments, whose deeds David opposes through prayer. Teaching Points Embrace CorrectionUnderstand that correction from a righteous person is an act of love and kindness. It is meant to guide us back to the right path. Value of Rebuke Just as oil was used for anointing and healing, a rebuke from a righteous person can be healing and restorative for our spiritual lives. Prayer Against Wickedness Maintain a prayerful stance against the deeds of the wicked, seeking God's intervention and justice. Humility in Receiving Correction Cultivate a humble heart that is open to receiving correction without defensiveness or pride. Community Accountability Engage in a community of believers where mutual correction and encouragement are practiced for spiritual growth. Bible Study Questions 1. How can we discern who is a "righteous man" from whom we should accept correction?2. In what ways can receiving a rebuke be compared to "oil for my head" in our spiritual journey? 3. How does the concept of accepting correction relate to the broader biblical theme of humility? 4. What practical steps can we take to ensure our prayers are aligned against the deeds of the wicked? 5. How can we foster an environment in our church or community that encourages loving and constructive rebuke? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 27:6This verse speaks about the faithful wounds of a friend, which aligns with the idea of receiving correction from a righteous person as an act of kindness. Hebrews 12:11 Discusses the discipline from God as something that may be painful but ultimately yields righteousness, similar to the rebuke from a righteous person. James 5:16 Encourages believers to confess sins to one another and pray for each other, highlighting the importance of community and accountability.
People David, Psalmist, SaulPlaces JerusalemTopics Always, Anoint, Beat, Break, Calamities, Choice, Continually, Continue, Correct, Deeds, Disalloweth, Evil, Evildoers, Excellent, God-fearing, Kindness, Myself, Oil, Prayer, Punishment, Rebuke, Refuse, Reprove, Righteous, Sinners, Smite, Strike, Upright, Vexations, Wicked, Wickedness, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 141:5 4488 oil Library The Incense of Prayer'Let my prayer be set forth before Thee as incense, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.'--PSALM cxli. 2. The place which this psalm occupies in the Psalter, very near its end, makes it probable that it is considerably later in date than the prior portions of the collection. But the Psalmist, who here penetrates to the inmost meaning of the symbolic sacrificial worship of the Old Testament, was not helped to his clear-sightedness by his date, but by his devotion. For throughout … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Evening Hymns And Lest it Should Seem that Necessary Continence was to be Hoped for From... For Acceptance in Prayer, and Daily Guidance. --Ps. cxli. Epistle xxxv. To Eulogius, Patriarch of Alexandria. How Some of the Heavenly Lovers Died Also of Love. That all Hope and Trust is to be Fixed in God Alone In this So Great Conflict, Wherein Man under Grace Lives... The Theology of St. Hilary of Poitiers. Wherefore Let this be the First Thought for the Putting on of Humility... Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist. The Daily Walk with Others (I. ). An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists. Letter xix (A. D. 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis Prayer Psalms Links Psalm 141:5 NIVPsalm 141:5 NLT Psalm 141:5 ESV Psalm 141:5 NASB Psalm 141:5 KJV Psalm 141:5 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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