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.

Prayer for Deliverance from Treacherous Enemies

1
Deliver me, LORD, from the evil man. Preserve me from the violent man; ​
2
those who devise mischief in their hearts. They continually gather themselves together for war.
3
They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent. Viper’s poison is under their lips. Selah. ​
4
LORD, keep me from the hands of the wicked. Preserve me from the violent men who have determined to trip my feet.
5
The proud have hidden a snare for me, they have spread the cords of a net by the path. They have set traps for me. Selah. ​

Affirmation of Trust and Plea for Protection

6
I said to the LORD, “You are my God.” Listen to the cry of my petitions, LORD. ​
7
LORD, the Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle. ​
8
LORD, don’t grant the desires of the wicked. Don’t let their evil plans succeed, or they will become proud. Selah. ​

Prayer for Divine Judgment

9
As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their own lips cover them. ​
10
Let burning coals fall on them. Let them be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, from where they never rise. ​
11
An evil speaker won’t be established in the earth. Evil will hunt the violent man to overthrow him.

Confidence in God's Justice

12
I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the needy. ​
13
Surely the righteous will give thanks to 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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