Psalms140

Psalm 140 is a fervent prayer of David seeking deliverance from wicked and violent men who plot mischief and speak deceitfully. He appeals to God as his strength and salvation, asking Him to thwart the designs of his adversaries and bring judgment upon them. David expresses confidence that the Lord will uphold the afflicted and that the righteous will ultimately dwell in God's presence.
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Prayer for Deliverance from Treacherous Enemies

1
Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men. Protect me from men of violence, ​
2
who devise evil in their hearts and stir up war all day long.
3
They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah ​
4
Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked. Keep me safe from men of violence who scheme to make me stumble.
5
The proud hide a snare for me; the cords of their net are spread along the path, and lures are set out for me. Selah ​

Affirmation of Trust and Plea for Protection

6
I say to the LORD, “You are my God.” Hear, O LORD, my cry for help. ​
7
O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You shield my head in the day of battle. ​
8
Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not promote their evil plans, lest they be exalted. Selah ​

Prayer for Divine Judgment

9
May the heads of those who surround me be covered in the trouble their lips have caused. ​
10
May burning coals fall on them; may they be thrown into the fire, into the miry pits, never to rise again. ​
11
May no slanderer be established in the land; may calamity hunt down the man of violence.

Confidence in God's Justice

12
I know that the LORD upholds justice for the poor and defends the cause of the needy. ​
13
Surely the righteous will praise Your name; the upright will dwell in Your presence. ​

Study Notes for Psalms 140

Verse 1

A Psalm of David classified as an individual lament. David immediately identifies his enemies as inherently 'evil' and 'violent,' focusing on their malicious intent rather than a specific physical threat.

Verse 3

This vivid imagery compares the destructive power of the enemies' slanderous words to the fatal venom of a serpent (cf. Rom 3:13). Selah marks a pause for reflection on the danger of deceptive speech.

Verse 5

The imagery of hidden snares, cords, and nets illustrates the calculated deceit and ambush tactics used by the proud to destroy the psalmist's stability and life direction ('overthrow my goings').

Verse 6

David shifts from describing the threat to affirming his deep personal relationship with YHWH ('Thou art my God'). This foundational trust is the basis for his confident supplication.

Verse 7

David acknowledges God's past faithfulness, reminding God (and himself) of divine protection and strength experienced during historical crises or conflicts, referred to here as the 'day of battle.'

Verse 8

This plea is rooted in theology: if God grants the wicked success, they will assume their own power and elevate themselves, thereby dishonoring God's justice and sovereignty.

Verse 9

This section begins the imprecatory prayer, asking that the wicked’s malicious words and plots ('mischief of their own lips') should backfire and result in their own destruction.

Verse 10

The imagery of burning coals and deep pits symbolizes sudden, complete, and irreversible judgment, reflecting the psalmist's desire for the ultimate silencing of evil.

Verse 12

This final section expresses certain faith. David moves past petitioning into confident assurance that God is the divine judge who actively champions the cause of the marginalized and oppressed (the afflicted and poor).

Verse 13

The psalm concludes with the ultimate outcome of God's justice: the righteous will offer worship, and their reward will be constant fellowship and communion ('dwell in thy presence') with God.

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