1 Lord, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee.
2 Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
3 Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.
4 Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.
5 Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.
6 When their judges are overthrown in stony places, they shall hear my words; for they are sweet.
7 Our bones are scattered at the grave's mouth, as when one cutteth and cleaveth wood upon the earth.
8 But mine eyes are unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.
9 Keep me from the snares which they have laid for me, and the gins of the workers of iniquity.
10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets, whilst that I withal escape.
Psalm 141 is a passionate and heartfelt plea for divine guidance and protection from sin, temptation, and the wicked. It is a prayer of a righteous man who yearns to maintain his integrity and godliness despite the dangers and allure of evil. The psalmist, traditionally believed to be King David, demonstrates a deep understanding of human frailty and the constant need for divine intervention to stay on the path of righteousness. This psalm is an earnest expression of the human struggle with sin, the longing for divine intervention, and the courage to remain righteous amid adversity.
The psalm begins with a desperate plea to God for attention, highlighting the urgency and intensity of the psalmist's prayer. The psalmist likens his prayer to the evening sacrifice, a significant image in Old Testament worship, symbolizing a total surrender and commitment to God. This vivid imagery underscores the psalmist's profound spiritual yearning and his desire for his prayer to be pleasing and acceptable to God.
The psalmist makes specific requests for divine guidance and protection. He asks God to guard his mouth and keep his heart from evil thoughts and deeds. He is aware that words can be a source of sin and that the heart is often the birthplace of evil desires and actions. He, therefore, seeks divine intervention to control his speech and purify his heart. This shows the psalmist's recognition of his inability to maintain moral purity on his own and his dependence on God for moral strength and guidance.
The psalmist also prays for protection from the wicked. He is aware of the influence and danger posed by evil people and seeks divine protection from their snares and traps. He is willing to accept the rebuke of the righteous but rejects the delicacies of the wicked, indicating his preference for the painful truth of righteousness over the enticing allure of sin. This demonstrates the psalmist's commitment to righteousness and his determination to avoid the path of wickedness, regardless of the cost.
The psalmist expresses a profound desire for divine intervention. He prays for God's swift response to his plea, asking that his prayer be set before God like incense, a symbol of divine acceptance. He also extends his hands toward God, signifying his total dependence on God and his readiness to receive divine help. This shows the psalmist's deep longing for divine intervention and his awareness of his need for God's help in his struggle against sin and temptation.
The psalmist also expresses his trust in God's justice. He believes that the wicked will eventually face divine judgment and that their plans will come to naught. Despite the apparent success of the wicked, the psalmist remains confident in God's justice and sovereignty. This reinforces his determination to stay on the path of righteousness, knowing that God will ultimately vindicate the righteous and punish the wicked.
The psalmist demonstrates remarkable courage and determination to remain righteous amid adversity. He is ready to endure the slings and arrows of the wicked and to reject their enticing offers. He prefers the rebuke of the righteous to the flatteries of the wicked, indicating his commitment to truth and righteousness. He is willing to suffer for his faith and to stand firm against the forces of evil, demonstrating his courage and his unwavering commitment to the path of righteousness.
The psalmist also expresses his hope and confidence in God. Despite his struggles and adversities, he believes in God's faithfulness and justice. He is confident that his prayers will be heard and answered, and that God will deliver him from his troubles. This hope and confidence in God give him the strength to endure and the courage to continue on his righteous path.
Psalm 141 is a powerful expression of the human struggle with sin and the constant need for divine guidance and protection. It is a prayer of a righteous man who is aware of his frailty and his constant need for divine help. It is a testament to the courage and determination to remain righteous amid adversity, and a declaration of trust in God's justice and faithfulness. This psalm serves as a reminder of the importance of prayer in the struggle against sin, the need for divine intervention in our lives, and the courage required to stay on the path of righteousness. It is a testament to the power of faith, the significance of prayer, and the enduring hope in the justice and faithfulness of God.
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