United Commentaries

Ps.138.1-145.21

In this final collection of psalms of David, praise and wisdom psalms (Pss 138–139, 145) form a frame around five poems of lament (Pss 140–144).

Ps.141.1-10

The psalmist prays for rescue and wisdom, and he envisions the end of evil. The principle of retribution (141:10) unifies the psalm.

Ps.141.1-2

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).

Upraised hands are a posture of prayer (Pss 28:2; 88:9; 143:6; Exod 9:29; 1 Tim 2:8).

Ps.141.3-5

Wisdom sometimes requires protection from oneself. One could say or think things that lead to the evil path (Prov 13:3; 21:23).

Wisdom opens itself to correction from godly people (see Prov 3:11; 9:8; 15:31; 19:25).