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
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man; ​
2
Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war.
3
They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah. ​
4
Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.
5
The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah. ​

Affirmation of Trust and Plea for Protection

6
I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD. ​
7
O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle. ​
8
Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah. ​

Prayer for Divine Judgment

9
As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them. ​
10
Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again. ​
11
Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall 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 the right of the poor. ​
13
Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy 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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