John Gill Commentary Psalms 141:8

John Gill Commentary

Psalms 141:8

1697–1771
Reformed Baptist
John Gill
John Gill

John Gill Commentary

Psalms 141:8

1697–1771
Reformed Baptist
SCRIPTURE

"For mine eyes are unto thee, O Jehovah the Lord: In thee do I take refuge; leave not my soul destitute." — Psalms 141:8 (ASV)

But mine eyes are unto thee, O God the Lord
Not only the eyes of his body, lifted up to God in prayer, this being a prayer gesture, (John 11:41) (17:1) ; but the eyes of his mind, or understanding, especially the eyes of faith and love; for it is expressive of his affection to God, his holy confidence in him, and humble hope and expectation of good things from him, in this his time of distress:

his eyes were to him and him only, both for temporal food for himself and his men; and for spiritual food, for all supplies of grace, for wisdom and direction, for strength and assistance, for protection and deliverance; in thee is my trust ;
not in himself, nor in his friends, nor in any creature, prince or potentate, but in the Lord, as the God of nature, providence, and grace; to which he was encouraged by his lovingkindness to him; by the everlasting strength in him; by what he has done for others and for him in times past; by the provisions he has made in his covenant and promises for those that trust in him, who are of all men most happy;

leave not my soul destitute ;
of daily food, of help and assistance, of the presence, spirit, and grace of God; or "naked" F7 , and defenceless, but let it be surrounded or protected by almighty power and grace; or "pour not out my soul" F8 , that is, unto death; suffer me not to be taken by enemies and slain; see (Isaiah 53:12) . The Targum is, ``in the Word (of the Lord) I trust, do not empty my soul,'' or "evacuate" F9 it, as Aben Ezra; that is, out of his body; for he observes, that the soul fills the body.


FOOTNOTES:

  • F7: (ret la) "ne nudes", Junius & Tremellius; so Piscator.
  • F8: "Ne effandas", Pagninus, Montanus, Vatablus, Musculus.
  • F9: "Ne evacues", Cocceius, Gejerus, Michaelis.