John Calvin Commentary Psalms 141:6

"Their judges are thrown down by the sides of the rock; And they shall hear my words; for they are sweet." — Psalms 141:6 (ASV)

Their judges have been thrown down upon stony places—Almost all interpreters agree that the tense of the verb should be changed from the past tense to the future, and then understood in the mood of wishing—let them be thrown down. It appears to me that David’s meaning would be made very plain by reading, When their judges have been cast down from the rock, or upon stony places, they shall hear my words.

David, perceiving the rage that the common people expressed toward him, having been carried away by error and misrepresentation, lays the blame on their leaders. When their power is taken away, he is confident that the simple, who had been misled, will be brought to a right mind.

Casting from the rocks, or upon stony places, is a metaphorical expression referring to the high and dignified position in which they were placed. Although the people were not blameless for following evil counselors and unjustly persecuting a good and godly man, David still had reason to hope for their repentance. He expected they would return to careful thought once God executed vengeance on their leaders.

We see how ready the common people are to judge by impulse rather than deliberation, and to be hurried into highly condemnable actions by blind prejudice, while afterwards, when admonished, they retrace their steps with equal haste. Therefore, while cruelty is always sinful and naivety is no excuse, we are taught by David’s example to pray that sound counsel may be sent to those who are in error, so that they may be enabled to hear the truth and what is right with patience.