Psalm 141 Study Notes

141:1-2 Offerings of incense were prescribed for both morning and evening (Ex 30:7-8; 2Kg 16:15). These represented prayers rising to God in heaven (Neh 13:5,9; Is 1:13; Jr 41:5). The lifting of hands was a common practice in worship (28:2; 63:4; 134:2).

141:3 The phrase door of my lips, figurative for exercising prudent speech, occurs only here.

141:4 The delicacies probably refer metaphorically to illicit sacrificial offerings and pleasurable acts of sin.

141:5 Pouring oil on the head was considered refreshing in that culture (23:5; 45:7; 133:2; Is 61:3; Jms 5:14). Constructive criticism from a righteous one is desirable; it would be foolish to refuse it (Pr 8:33-36; 15:32). The psalmist remains resolute in his opposition to evil.

141:6 The psalmist will be vindicated. When the wicked rulers are deposed, their followers will come to see that the psalmist has been right.

141:7 The psalmist feels as though his people had been slaughtered and then not provided a proper burial (79:2-4).

141:8 The psalmist affirms his trust in God (2:12; 5:12; 57:1; 64:10; 71:1; 118:8; Is 14:32; 57:13).

141:9-10 While the evildoers sought to trap the psalmist, he asked God to cause the wicked to fall into their own snares (7:16; 9:16; 35:8; 69:22; 106:36; 140:9-11; Pr 26:27).