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Lutheran reading notes

In Psalms chapter 141, the wisdom literature continues to explore prayer, worship, lament, praise, and trust in God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.

Theme: Wisdom, prayer, and faithful living Key people: Wise figures Key place: Israel Liturgical use: Wisdom lections
1 [A Psalm of David.] LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee.
Psalms 141:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2 Let my prayer be set forth before thee {as} incense; {and} the lifting up of my hands {as} the evening sacrifice. {set...: Heb. directed}
Psalms 141:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3 Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.
Psalms 141:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
Psalms 141:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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. {me; it shall be a...: or, me kindly, and reprove me; let not their precious oil break, etc}
Psalms 141:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6 When their judges are overthrown in stony places, they shall hear my words; for they are sweet.
Psalms 141:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7 Our bones are scattered at the grave's mouth, as when one cutteth and cleaveth {wood} upon the earth.
Psalms 141:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8 But mine eyes {are} unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute. {leave...: Heb. make not my soul bare}
Psalms 141:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9 Keep me from the snares {which} they have laid for me, and the gins of the workers of iniquity.
Psalms 141:9 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets, whilst that I withal escape. {escape: Heb. pass over}
Psalms 141:10 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.