Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 141

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

The psalmist prays for rescue and for wisdom. He also looks ahead to the end of evil. The idea that people receive what they deserve (Psalm 141:10) holds the psalm together.

• The psalmist urgently prays for rescue. He does not have incense or an evening offering (Exodus 29:38–39), but his prayers and devotion represent those elements (see Isaiah 1:13; Revelation 5:8).

• uplifted hands: This is a posture of prayer (Psalms 28:2; 88:9; 143:6; Exodus 9:29; 1 Timothy 2:8).

• Wisdom sometimes requires protection from oneself. People might say or think things that lead to a harmful path (Proverbs 13:3; 21:23).

• Wisdom accepts correction from godly people (see Proverbs 3:11; 9:8; 15:31; 19:25).