When David wrote Psalm 141, he and those that were with him were in dire straits. It appears that they were running away from enemies. Was this written when David was running from Saul? When he was running from Absalom? The Psalm does not describe the specific event or have introductory remarks to tell us. However, we do see that David is in danger and all those about him are as well. Nevertheless, he puts his trust in God the Lord to save him.
Psalm 141:7 says, “Our bones are scattered at the grave's mouth, as when one cutteth and cleaveth wood upon the earth.” What David describes here is a terrible scene. This is evidently figurative speech. If their bones were literally scattered at the grave’s mouth, David would not be writing the Psalm. However, it seems as if he and those that were with him were in grave danger. Their enemies were after them with the intention of causing confusion, division and slaughter. The cutting and cleaving of the wood upon the earth does not bring to mind firewood neatly chopped and stacked. Rather it draws a picture of destruction. One thing that comes to mind is an area that has been cleared for construction. All the trees and bushes are scattered all over the site. There is no concern for those felled trees and bushes. They are trash – something to be chopped into wood chips or burned in the fire. Another thing that comes to mind is the tearing down of a building. The pieces of wood are cut and torn in pieces and left scattered on the ground. They are not valuable. Though they will be removed later, they are not protected from the elements or stacked into a neat pile. David feels that he and those who are with him are just like those scattered pieces of chopped up wood – not important, confused and divided, designated for destruction.
Even with all the confusion and danger around him, David is not distracted. He keeps his eyes on God. He trusts in God and focuses on Him for deliverance. Psalm 141:8 says, “But mine eyes are unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.” In another Psalm David wrote, “Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.” (Psalm 25:15) Also, in Psalm 56:3 we can read these words of David, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” Many times David found himself in trouble, and often he was afraid. However, David did not let fear control him; he let his trust in God control him. He looked unto the Lord GOD and waited on Him for deliverance.
We serve the same God as David. There may be times that we are in trouble. There may be times that we are afraid, very afraid. Perhaps all around us is danger, trouble and confusion. Yet, God is still able to deliver. If we look at what is around us, we will be discouraged and may give up. If we look at the One who loves us and cares for us, we have hope. God will not leave us destitute but will surely help us and pluck our feet out of the net. We can confidently trust in Him.