◄ Psalm 141 ►
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Come Quickly to Me (Psalm 70:1–5) A Psalm of David. 1 I 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. 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 thing or take part in works of wickedness with 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.a 9Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, and from the lures of evildoers. 10Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety. Footnotes: 8 a Or do not pour out my life or do not give me over to death Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 141 Summary Come Quickly to Me Verses 1–2 – A Fragrant Cry for Help David urgently calls on the LORD to answer “quickly,” asking that his prayer rise “like incense” and his lifted hands be accepted as the “evening offering.” The language links personal petition to temple worship, framing the psalm as an act of devotion, not mere desperation. Verses 3–4 – Guard My Mouth, Guide My Heart He pleads for a divine guard over his speech and a firm restraint on inner desires so he will not join the wicked in either their words or their shared meals—“their delicacies.” Verse 5 – Welcoming Faithful Wounds A righteous person’s rebuke is valued as “kindness… oil for my head.” Correction, though painful, is treated as a gracious anointing; David will keep praying against evil, not against his corrector. Verses 6–7 – The Downfall of the Wicked The powerful who oppose God face being “thrown from the cliffs,” while their followers recognize David’s words as “pleasant.” The imagery of scattered bones at Sheol’s mouth pictures utter defeat, as unmistakable as furrows left by a plow. Verses 8–10 – Eyes Fixed, Feet Preserved With gaze set on “You, O GOD the Lord,” David seeks refuge. He asks to be spared from snares, desiring the wicked to fall into their own nets while he passes safely by. Psalm 141 is a fervent plea of David, a prayer to God for protection from wicked influences and guidance in the path of righteousness. Amidst the tumult of his life, David seeks solace and divine intervention, expressing his commitment to righteousness and yearning for God's presence. Authorship and Historical Setting The superscription identifies David as author. Many place the psalm during Saul’s persecution or Absalom’s coup—times when David was hunted yet refused unholy alliances for survival (1 Samuel 24; 2 Samuel 15). The blend of worship language and pleas for protection fits a season of exile from the tabernacle, heightening longing for the altar (see Psalm 63:1–2). Literary Flow and Structural Notes • Invocation (vv. 1–2) • Personal restraint (vv. 3–4) • Community correction (v. 5) • Judgment scene (vv. 6–7) • Refuge and reversal (vv. 8–10) The chiastic center is verse 5, highlighting the humble acceptance of righteous correction as key to staying pure while enemies scheme. Incense and the Evening Sacrifice: Temple Background Exodus 30:7–8 commanded priests to burn incense each morning and evening; the evening sacrifice (Exodus 29:39) coincided with twilight prayers (Luke 1:10). Archaeologists have uncovered second-temple period incense shovels and altar fragments near the southern wall in Jerusalem, underscoring how worshipers associated the sweet aroma with access to God. David borrows this temple language to frame his prayer as liturgy even while physically distant. Speech, Heart, and the Wisdom Tradition Verse 3 echoes Proverbs 13:3—“He who guards his mouth protects his life.” James 3:6 picks up the theme, calling the tongue “a world of iniquity.” Pairing lips and heart (vv. 3–4) mirrors Proverbs 4:23–24, showing that outward speech reflects inward leanings. Receiving Correction: A Mark of the Faithful “Let a righteous man strike me—it is kindness” parallels Proverbs 27:6, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” Jesus applies this principle in Matthew 18:15–17, teaching fraternal confrontation for restoration. David models teachability, contrasting with kings like Ahab who despised Micaiah’s rebuke (1 Kings 22:8). Thrown from Cliffs: Judicial Executions in the Ancient Near East Ancient legal texts (e.g., Hittite laws) mention precipice punishments for high treason. The Judean wilderness around En-gedi contains steep wadis; rebels could be executed there (cf. 2 Chronicles 25:12). Verse 6’s image signals public, irreversible judgment. Bones at the Mouth of Sheol: Agricultural and Mortuary Imagery Breaking soil with a plow (v. 7) leaves furrows and scattered clods—apt imagery for bones strewn at a tomb’s entrance. Bronze-Age tombs in the Kidron Valley reveal piles of bones pushed aside when new burials were made, reinforcing the psalm’s picture of utter disregard for the wicked dead. Snares, Nets, and Traps: Field Archaeology and Poetic Devices Desert hunters stretched netting across game paths; archaeologists have found stone weights and lattice remnants near ancient settlements in the Negev. David’s prayer (vv. 9–10) flips the hunter’s device so that the trappers are trapped (Psalm 7:15–16; Esther 7:10). From David to Jesus: Canonical Connections • Incense-prayer anticipates Revelation 5:8, where the saints’ prayers are “golden bowls full of incense.” • Jesus practices verse 3’s principle, speaking no deceit under trial (1 Peter 2:22–23). • The rejection of delicacies parallels Christ refusing Satan’s shortcuts (Matthew 4:8–10). • The righteous rebuke finds fulfillment in Christ’s role as Prophet: “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline” (Revelation 3:19). • Ultimate safety (v. 10) appears in John 10:28—no one can snatch His sheep from His hand. Living Out Psalm 141 Today • Pray urgently and expectantly, framing petitions within worship. • Ask God to police both speech and heart before addressing outer threats. • Welcome hard truths from godly friends, recognizing them as grace. • Refuse partnership with evil, no matter how enticing the “delicacies.” • Trust divine justice to overturn traps while you keep walking in integrity. Connections to Additional Scriptures James 3:2-10 Discusses the power of the tongue and the need for self-control in speech. Proverbs 4:23 Emphasizes the importance of guarding the heart, as it is the wellspring of life. Hebrews 12:11 Speaks about the value of discipline and correction in producing righteousness. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Encourages believers to pray without ceasing, highlighting the importance of continual communication with God. Teaching Points A Call for God's Attention David begins with an urgent plea for God to hear his prayer. O LORD, I call upon You; hasten to me. Hear my voice when I call to You (Psalm 141:1). This reflects the importance of earnest and sincere prayer. Prayer as Incense David likens his prayer to incense, a symbol of worship and purity. May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering (Psalm 141:2). This teaches us to approach God with reverence and devotion. Guarding Our Speech David asks God to set a guard over his mouth. Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips (Psalm 141:3). This highlights the need for divine help in controlling our words. Avoiding Wickedness David seeks protection from being drawn into evil. Do not let my heart incline to any evil thing, to practice wicked deeds with men who do iniquity (Psalm 141:4). This emphasizes the importance of guarding our hearts against sin. Welcoming Righteous Correction David expresses willingness to receive correction from the righteous. Let the righteous man strike me—it is an act of loving devotion; let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head (Psalm 141:5). This shows the value of accepting godly counsel. Practical Applications Prioritize Prayer Make prayer a daily priority, seeking God's guidance and strength to resist temptation. Mind Your Words Be intentional about the words you speak, asking God to help you communicate in ways that honor Him. Guard Your Heart Regularly examine your heart and motives, asking God to keep you from inclining towards evil. Seek Accountability Surround yourself with godly individuals who can provide loving correction and encouragement. Embrace Correction Be open to receiving constructive criticism from fellow believers, recognizing it as an opportunity for growth. People 1. David The author of the psalm, who is seeking God's help and protection. He is portrayed as a devout servant of God, asking for guidance and deliverance from evil. David's plea reflects his desire for righteousness and his dependence on God. 2. The LORD (Yahweh) The primary recipient of David's prayer. In the Hebrew text, the name used is "Yahweh," which is the personal name of God in the Old Testament. David calls upon the LORD for assistance, emphasizing his trust in God's power and justice. The psalm does not explicitly mention other individuals by name, but it does refer to "the wicked" and "evildoers" in a general sense, as those from whom David seeks protection. These references are more about the types of people rather than specific individuals. Places Psalm 141 in the Berean Standard Bible does not explicitly mention specific geographical places. Instead, it is a prayer of David, focusing on themes of protection, guidance, and deliverance from evil. Since there are no specific places mentioned in this Psalm, a numbered list of places cannot be provided. The Psalm is more concerned with spiritual and moral locations, such as the heart and the presence of God, rather than physical locations. If you have any other questions or need further analysis, feel free to ask! Events 1. David's Plea for God's Attention David begins the psalm by urgently calling upon the Lord to hear his prayer: "O LORD, I call to You; come quickly to me. Hear my voice when I call to You." (Psalm 141:1). The Hebrew root for "call" (קָרָא, qara) emphasizes a vocal and earnest plea. 2. Prayer as Incense David expresses his desire for his prayer to be pleasing to God, likening it to incense: "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering." (Psalm 141:2). The imagery of incense (קְטֹרֶת, qetoret) reflects the sacrificial system and the pleasing aroma to God. 3. Request for Guarded Speech David asks God to help him control his words: "Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips." (Psalm 141:3). The Hebrew word for "guard" (שָׁמַר, shamar) implies vigilance and protection. 4. Desire for Righteousness He seeks protection from evil inclinations and desires to avoid wicked deeds: "Do not let my heart incline to any evil thing, to practice wicked deeds with men who do iniquity; let me not partake of their delicacies." (Psalm 141:4). The term "incline" (נָטָה, natah) suggests a turning or bending towards something. 5. Acceptance of Righteous Rebuke David welcomes correction from the righteous: "Let the righteous man strike me—it is an act of loving devotion; let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head; let me not refuse it." (Psalm 141:5). The Hebrew word for "rebuke" (תּוֹכֵחָה, tokhecha) indicates correction or reproof. 6. Prayer Against the Wicked He prays against the wicked and their leaders: "Yet my prayer is ever against the deeds of the wicked." (Psalm 141:5). The focus is on maintaining a stance against evil actions. 7. Imagery of Judgment David uses vivid imagery to describe the downfall of the wicked: "When their rulers are thrown down from the cliffs, the people will listen to my words, for they are pleasant." (Psalm 141:6). The Hebrew word for "thrown down" (נָפַל, naphal) conveys a forceful fall or overthrow. 8. Expression of Vulnerability He acknowledges his own vulnerability and dependence on God: "As when one plows and breaks up the soil, so our bones have been scattered at the mouth of Sheol." (Psalm 141:7). The imagery of plowing (חָרַשׁ, charash) suggests breaking and turning over, symbolizing distress. 9. Declaration of Trust in God David reaffirms his trust in the Lord for protection: "But my eyes are fixed on You, O GOD, the Lord. In You I seek refuge; do not leave my soul defenseless." (Psalm 141:8). The Hebrew root for "fixed" (נָבַט, nabat) implies a steady and focused gaze. 10. Prayer for Deliverance He concludes with a plea for deliverance from traps set by the wicked: "Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, and from the lures of evildoers." (Psalm 141:9). The word "snares" (מוֹקֵשׁ, moqesh) refers to traps or pitfalls. 11. Hope for Justice David expresses hope that the wicked will fall into their own traps: "Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety." (Psalm 141:10). The concept of retributive justice is implied, where the wicked face the consequences of their actions. Lessons from Psalm 141 1. Guard Your Words Psalm 141:3 says, "Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips." This verse reminds us of the power of our words and the importance of speaking with wisdom and love. In a world where words can easily hurt or heal, asking God to guide our speech ensures that we reflect His grace and truth in every conversation. 2. Seek Righteousness In verse 4, the psalmist prays, "Do not let my heart incline to any evil thing, to practice wicked deeds with men who do iniquity." This is a call to pursue righteousness and avoid the temptations that lead us astray. By aligning our hearts with God's will, we can live lives that honor Him and inspire others to do the same. 3. Embrace Correction Psalm 141:5 offers a profound insight: "Let a righteous man strike me—it is an act of loving devotion; let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head." Embracing correction from those who walk in righteousness is a gift. It helps us grow and stay on the path of truth. Accepting constructive criticism with humility can lead to personal and spiritual growth. 4. Pray with Persistence The psalmist's earnest plea in verse 1, "O LORD, I call upon You; hasten to me. Give ear to my voice when I call to You," highlights the importance of persistent prayer. Just as the psalmist sought God's attention with urgency, we too should approach Him with a heart full of faith, trusting that He hears and answers our prayers. 5. Offer Your Worship Verse 2 beautifully states, "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering." Worship is not just a Sunday activity; it's a daily offering of our hearts to God. By making our lives a living sacrifice, we honor Him and draw closer to His presence. 6. Avoid the Company of the Wicked The psalmist wisely asks in verse 4 to be kept from "practicing wicked deeds with men who do iniquity." The company we keep influences our actions and thoughts. Surrounding ourselves with those who seek God encourages us to live in a way that reflects His love and truth. 7. Trust in God's Protection In verse 8, the psalmist declares, "But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord; in You I seek refuge." Trusting in God's protection provides peace amidst life's storms. By keeping our focus on Him, we find safety and strength, knowing that He is our ultimate refuge. 8. Be Mindful of Traps Verse 9 warns, "Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, and from the lures of evildoers." Life is full of traps that can lead us away from God's path. By staying vigilant and seeking His guidance, we can avoid these pitfalls and remain steadfast in our faith. 9. Rely on God's Justice The psalmist expresses confidence in God's justice in verse 10, "Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety." Trusting in God's justice allows us to let go of vengeance and bitterness, knowing that He will right all wrongs in His perfect timing. 10. Cultivate a Heart of Humility Throughout Psalm 141, the psalmist's humble approach to God is evident. By acknowledging our need for His guidance and correction, we cultivate a heart of humility. This openness to God's leading allows us to grow in wisdom and grace, becoming more like Christ in our daily walk. Topics 1. Prayer for Divine Assistance The psalmist begins with a plea for God to hear his prayer: "O LORD, I call upon You; hasten to me. Hear my voice when I call to You." (Psalm 141:1). The Hebrew root for "call" (קָרָא, qara) emphasizes a deep, earnest plea for God's attention. 2. Request for Acceptable Worship The psalmist desires his prayer to be like incense and his uplifted hands like the evening sacrifice: "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering." (Psalm 141:2). The imagery of incense and sacrifice reflects the Hebrew practice of worship and the desire for prayers to be pleasing to God. 3. Guarding of Speech A request for God to help control his words: "Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips." (Psalm 141:3). The Hebrew word for "guard" (שָׁמַר, shamar) implies a vigilant protection over one's speech. 4. Avoidance of Wickedness The psalmist seeks protection from evil inclinations and associations: "Do not let my heart incline to any evil thing, to practice wicked deeds with men who do iniquity; let me not feast on their delicacies." (Psalm 141:4). The Hebrew root for "incline" (נָטָה, natah) suggests a turning or bending towards something undesirable. 5. Acceptance of Righteous Correction A willingness to receive correction from the righteous: "Let the righteous man strike me—it is an act of loving devotion; let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head; let me not refuse it." (Psalm 141:5). The Hebrew word for "rebuke" (תּוֹכֵחָה, tokhecha) indicates a corrective admonition meant for growth. 6. Protection from the Wicked A plea for protection from the traps set by the wicked: "For my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord; in You I seek refuge; do not leave my soul defenseless." (Psalm 141:8). The Hebrew root for "refuge" (חָסָה, chasah) conveys a sense of seeking shelter and safety in God. 7. Judgment on the Wicked The psalmist expresses confidence that the wicked will face judgment: "Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety." (Psalm 141:10). The imagery of falling into nets suggests the inevitable consequences of their own schemes. Themes 1. Prayer for Divine Assistance The psalmist begins with a plea for God to hear his prayer: "O LORD, I call upon You; hasten to me. Hear my voice when I call to You" (Psalm 141:1). This theme emphasizes the urgency and earnestness in seeking God's help, reflecting the Hebrew root "קָרָא" (qara), meaning to call or cry out. 2. Desire for Righteousness The psalmist expresses a longing for personal holiness and integrity: "Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips" (Psalm 141:3). This theme highlights the importance of self-control and purity in speech, rooted in the Hebrew concept of "שָׁמַר" (shamar), meaning to guard or keep. 3. Avoidance of Wickedness There is a clear request to be kept from evil influences: "Do not let my heart incline to any evil thing, to practice wicked deeds with men who do iniquity" (Psalm 141:4). This theme underscores the psalmist's desire to remain separate from sin, reflecting the Hebrew word "רָע" (ra), meaning evil or wickedness. 4. Acceptance of Righteous Correction The psalmist welcomes correction from the righteous: "Let the righteous man strike me; it is an act of loving devotion" (Psalm 141:5). This theme illustrates the value placed on constructive criticism and discipline, rooted in the Hebrew "חֶסֶד" (chesed), meaning loving-kindness or mercy. 5. Trust in Divine Justice The psalmist expresses confidence in God's justice against the wicked: "Yet my eyes are fixed on You, O GOD, the Lord. In You I seek refuge; do not leave my soul defenseless" (Psalm 141:8). This theme reflects a trust in God's protection and justice, with the Hebrew root "חָסָה" (chasah), meaning to seek refuge or trust. 6. Protection from Traps of the Wicked The psalmist seeks deliverance from the snares set by evildoers: "Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, and from the lures of the evildoers" (Psalm 141:9). This theme emphasizes the need for divine protection against deceit and harm, related to the Hebrew "פַּח" (pach), meaning snare or trap. Prayer Points Pray for a Heart of Prayer Ask God to cultivate a deep desire for prayer and communion with Him. Pray for Control Over Speech Seek God's help in guarding your words and speaking with wisdom and grace. Pray for Protection from Temptation Request God's strength to resist the allure of sin and to keep your heart pure. Pray for Openness to Correction Ask God to give you a humble spirit that welcomes correction and guidance from others. Pray for Godly Relationships Seek God's provision of relationships that encourage spiritual growth and accountability. As we reflect on Psalm 141, may we be inspired to seek God's help in living a life that is pleasing to Him, marked by prayer, purity, and a willingness to grow through correction. Answering Tough Questions 1. Psalm 141:1 – How can the psalm’s claim of immediate divine response be reconciled with the lack of observable evidence that God intervenes quickly? 2. Psalm 141:2 – If prayer is equated with physical incense offerings, how does this align with the Torah’s requirements for literal sacrificial rituals? 3. Psalm 141:3 – What scientific or psychological basis supports the metaphor of God acting as a literal guard over someone’s speech? 4. Psalm 141:5 – Why would a “strike” or rebuke from the righteous be considered a kindness, when other biblical passages seem to discourage violence? 5. Psalm 141:7 – Does any historical or archaeological record validate the imagery of the wicked being scattered like broken bones at the grave’s mouth? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does David describe his prayers to God in verses 1-2, and what does this signify about his relationship with God? 2. Reflect on verse 3. How can we apply David's prayer to our daily speech and actions? 3. How does the Psalmist's plea for God to guard his mouth and heart relate to the dangers of the modern world and social media? 4. David asks not to be tempted by evil in verse 4. In what ways are you tempted, and how do you seek God's guidance in these situations? 5. What does verse 5 reveal about David's openness to correction from righteous individuals? How can we incorporate this humility into our lives? 6. How can we apply David's approach in verse 5-7 to accept rebuke from others and learn from our mistakes? 7. In a world full of wickedness, how can we keep our focus on God as David does in verses 7? 8. How does verse 8 highlight the importance of dependence on God for deliverance? 9. How can you identify the "traps of the wicked" in your life as mentioned in verses 9-10? 10. In what ways can the prayer in verse 10 be used as a prayer for protection in your life? 11. How does David's trust in divine justice inspire you in the face of wrongdoing? 12. How can you employ the principles of this Psalm to navigate the moral complexities of contemporary society? 13. What does this Psalm teach us about the role of personal responsibility in spiritual growth? 14. How does Psalm 141 encourage you to seek divine guidance during personal crisis? 15. How can we cultivate the kind of spiritual vigilance that David displays in this Psalm? 16. How might the desire to walk in righteousness impact our daily choices? 17. In what ways does this Psalm highlight the power of prayer in seeking protection and guidance? 18. What are some practical ways to implement the lessons from this Psalm into your daily life? 19. How does this Psalm inform your understanding of God's protection from the influences of evil? 20. In reflecting on this Psalm, how would you define the relationship between personal prayer and communal accountability? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions