Psalms 140:1

KJV

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;

KJV (with Strong's)

To the chief Musician {H5329}, A Psalm {H4210} of David {H1732}. Deliver {H2502} me, O LORD {H3068}, from the evil {H7451} man {H120}: preserve {H5341} me from the violent {H2555} man {H376};

Complete Jewish Bible

For the leader. A psalm of David: Rescue me, ADONAI, from evil people, protect me from violent people.

Berean Standard Bible

Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men. Protect me from men of violence,

American Standard Version

Deliver me, O Jehovah, from the evil man; Preserve me from the violent man:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 140:1 is an urgent and fervent prayer from David, pleading with the LORD for divine protection and deliverance from malicious and oppressive adversaries. This opening verse immediately establishes the psalm as a lament, articulating a deep sense of vulnerability and an unwavering reliance on God's power to safeguard the psalmist from those who seek to do him harm, whether through wicked intent or active aggression. It sets the tone for a heartfelt cry for intervention against real and present dangers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 140 is situated within the third book of the Psalter (Psalms 73-106), a collection predominantly featuring individual laments and prayers for deliverance. It immediately follows Psalm 139, a profound meditation on God's omnipresence and omniscience, which perhaps underscores David's confidence that God is fully aware of his plight. The superscription, "To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David," indicates its liturgical use in temple worship and attributes its authorship to King David, placing it within the historical context of his life, often marked by intense persecution. As a lament, it shares common features with other psalms of distress, such as the plea for rescue, the description of enemies, and an appeal to God's justice, echoing themes found in [Psalm 7](/psalms/7 "Psalm 7 - A A Prayer for Justice Against Enemies") or [Psalm 59](/psalms/59 "Psalm 59 - A Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies"). The psalm then continues to detail the specific plots and malicious intentions of these adversaries, reinforcing the opening plea.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's life was characterized by numerous periods of intense personal danger and persecution. From his early days fleeing King Saul (e.g., [1 Samuel 23](/1_samuel/23 "1 Samuel 23 - David Flees Saul")) to later challenges like Absalom's rebellion, David frequently faced powerful and malevolent enemies. The "evil man" and "violent man" could refer to specific individuals or groups that actively sought his downfall, such as Doeg the Edomite, who betrayed David to Saul, or Ahithophel, who conspired with Absalom. In the ancient Near East, personal honor and justice were deeply intertwined with one's relationship with the divine. Appeals to a deity for vindication against unjust aggression were common, reflecting a societal understanding that divine intervention was necessary to restore order and protect the righteous from the wicked. The Hebrew concept of "violence" (חָמָס - _châmâç_) was not merely physical aggression but encompassed legal and social injustice, oppression, and wrongful gain, making the threat multifaceted.
* **Key Themes:** This opening verse introduces several foundational themes that permeate Psalm 140 and resonate throughout the Psalter. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Deliverance**, portraying God as the ultimate rescuer and protector of the righteous from human malevolence. David's direct appeal to "O LORD" (Yahweh) underscores his belief in God's personal involvement and power to intervene. Secondly, the psalm introduces the theme of **Justice and Vindication**, expressing an implicit expectation that God will judge the wicked and defend the innocent. The very act of crying out implies a trust in God's righteous character and His willingness to act on behalf of His suffering servant. Finally, the verse exemplifies the theme of **Trust in God Amidst Adversity**. Despite facing profound threats from "evil" and "violent" individuals, David's response is not despair but an immediate turning to God in prayer, demonstrating a consistent posture of faith and reliance on divine sovereignty, a hallmark of David's spiritual journey often seen in his psalms of lament and trust, such as [Psalm 18](/psalms/18 "Psalm 18 - David's Song of Deliverance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Deliver (Hebrew, _châlats'_):** From H2502, this verb carries the sense of "to pull off," "to strip," or "to draw out." It implies a forceful, active removal from a dangerous or restrictive situation. David is not asking for a passive escape but for a powerful, liberating act of rescue, as if being pulled out of a snare or a tight spot. This word suggests God's decisive intervention to free the psalmist from the grip of his adversaries.
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From H7451, this term is broad, encompassing anything "bad" or "wicked," whether natural or moral. It refers to moral corruption, malevolence, and the resulting harm, sorrow, or distress. When applied to a "man," it describes a person whose character is fundamentally depraved, prone to causing mischief, affliction, and wrongful acts. David is appealing to God for protection from a person whose very nature is inclined towards wickedness.
* **violent (Hebrew, _châmâç'_):** From H2555, this noun specifically denotes "violence," "wrong," "injustice," or "oppression." It describes not just passive evil but active, aggressive, and unjust harm. The "violent man" is one characterized by cruelty, active oppression, and a readiness to inflict physical or social damage. By using both "evil" and "violent," David emphasizes the dual nature of the threat: the inherent wickedness of the individual and their active, aggressive manifestation of that wickedness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.":** This is the superscription, providing crucial information about the psalm's purpose and authorship. "To the chief Musician" indicates that this psalm was intended for public worship and musical performance under the direction of the temple choirmaster. "A Psalm of David" attributes its composition to King David, grounding the prayer in his personal experiences of persecution and his profound relationship with God.
* **"Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man:":** This is David's urgent and direct plea to God. The imperative "Deliver me" (Hebrew: _châlats_) conveys a desperate cry for rescue, implying that David feels trapped or ensnared by his adversary. Addressing God as "O LORD" (Yahweh, the covenant name of God) signifies a personal and trusting appeal to the One who has demonstrated His faithfulness throughout Israel's history. The "evil man" (Hebrew: _ʼîysh raʻ_) refers to an individual whose character is fundamentally wicked and whose intentions are malicious.
* **"preserve me from the violent man;":** This clause functions as a synonymous parallelism, reinforcing and intensifying the preceding plea. "Preserve me" (Hebrew: _nâtsar_) means to guard, protect, or keep safe, suggesting a need for ongoing divine watchfulness against harm. The "violent man" (Hebrew: _ʼîysh châmâç_) specifies the nature of the threat: not just general wickedness, but active, oppressive, and unjust aggression. This highlights that David faces not only ill intent but also the tangible threat of physical harm or severe injustice from an oppressor.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 140:1 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the urgency and depth of David's plea. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second line ("preserve me from the violent man") reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first line ("Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man"). This repetition emphasizes the dual nature of the threat David faces—both the inherent wickedness and the active aggression of his enemies—and underscores the psalmist's desperate need for comprehensive divine intervention. The use of "evil man" and "violent man" can also be seen as a form of **Merism**, where two distinct but related terms are used to encompass the full spectrum of human malevolence, from wicked intent to active oppression. Furthermore, the direct address "O LORD" is an example of **Apostrophe**, a rhetorical device where the speaker directly addresses an absent person or an inanimate object, in this case, God, highlighting the personal and intimate nature of David's prayer. Finally, the "man" in both phrases acts as a **Synecdoche**, representing not just an individual but the personification of evil and violence that threatens David.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 140:1 establishes a profound theological truth about God's character as the ultimate deliverer and protector of His people. David's immediate recourse to the LORD in the face of human malevolence underscores a core biblical theme: that God is the righteous judge who hears the cries of the oppressed and acts decisively against the wicked. This verse highlights the ongoing tension between the pervasive reality of evil and violence in the world and the sovereign power of God to preserve His faithful. It implicitly affirms God's justice and His commitment to defending those who trust in Him, even when human adversaries seem overwhelming. The psalmist's trust is not in his own strength or cunning, but solely in the divine capacity to rescue and safeguard.

* [Psalm 59:1](/psalms/59-1 "Psalm 59:1 - Deliverance from Enemies")
* [Proverbs 4:16-17](/proverbs/4-16 "Proverbs 4:16-17 - The Way of the Wicked")
* [2 Timothy 4:18](/2_timothy/4-18 "2 Timothy 4:18 - The Lord's Deliverance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 140:1 offers a timeless model for believers facing adversity and opposition in their own lives. It reminds us that it is not only permissible but essential to bring our specific fears and the nature of our adversaries—whether they manifest as malicious gossip, unjust actions, or outright aggression—directly before the LORD. David's prayer is a testament to the power of earnest, specific petition, demonstrating that our ultimate security lies not in our ability to outmaneuver or overpower our enemies, but in God's sovereign hand. In a world where evil and violence continue to manifest in various forms, this verse calls us to cultivate a habit of immediate and unwavering trust in God as our refuge and deliverer. It encourages us to articulate our distress honestly, knowing that God is intimately aware of our struggles and capable of providing the preservation we desperately need, whether from external threats or the internal battles against spiritual darkness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "evil" or "violent" forces in your life or the world today cause you distress?**
* **How does David's immediate and direct prayer to the LORD encourage your own prayer life when facing adversity?**
* **In what ways can you actively place your trust in God for deliverance and preservation, rather than relying on your own strength or strategies?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "evil man" or "violent man" David refers to?**

Answer: While the psalm is attributed to David, suggesting specific historical adversaries like King Saul, Doeg the Edomite, or Absalom, the descriptions are general enough to apply universally. The "evil man" represents anyone whose character is morally corrupt and whose intentions are malicious, while the "violent man" refers to someone who actively inflicts unjust harm, oppression, or cruelty. Thus, while rooted in David's particular experiences, the psalm resonates with anyone facing malevolent or aggressive opposition.

**Why does David use two different descriptions ("evil" and "violent")?**

Answer: David uses "evil man" (Hebrew: _ʼîysh raʻ_) and "violent man" (Hebrew: _ʼîysh châmâç_) to emphasize the dual nature and full spectrum of the threat he faces. "Evil" speaks to the inherent moral wickedness and malicious intent of a person, their corrupt character. "Violent" points to the active manifestation of that wickedness—the physical aggression, injustice, oppression, and cruelty. By using both, David underscores that he is threatened not only by ill will but also by tangible, aggressive harm, seeking comprehensive protection from both the character and actions of his adversaries.

**Is this psalm only for physical threats?**

Answer: While the language of "deliver" and "preserve" from "violent man" certainly suggests physical danger, the principles extend beyond physical threats. The "evil man" can represent spiritual adversaries, emotional manipulators, or those who seek to undermine one's reputation or faith through deceit and malice. The "violent man" can encompass systemic injustice, oppressive social structures, or even the internal struggles with destructive thoughts or habits. The psalm provides a framework for prayer against all forms of malevolence that seek to harm or destroy, whether physical, emotional, spiritual, or social.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 140:1 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the true and ultimate Deliverer from all evil and violence. While David prayed for deliverance from specific human adversaries, Jesus faced the concentrated malice of both human wickedness and spiritual forces. His life was marked by constant opposition from "evil men"—the religious leaders who plotted against Him ([Matthew 26:4](/matthew/26-4 "Matthew 26:4 - The Plot to Kill Jesus")), Judas who betrayed Him ([Luke 22:47-48](/luke/22-47 "Luke 22:47-48 - Judas Betrays Jesus")), and those who rejected His message. He also endured the ultimate "violent man" in the form of the Roman executioners and the oppressive power of sin and death itself. Yet, unlike David, Jesus willingly submitted to the violence, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His crucifixion, though seemingly a victory for the "evil" and "violent" forces, was in fact God's decisive act of deliverance for humanity. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus triumphed over sin, death, and the devil, disarming the principalities and powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). For believers, Christ's victory provides the ultimate preservation. We are delivered from the dominion of evil and the ultimate violence of eternal separation from God. He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble ([Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge")). Though we may still face "evil" and "violent" opposition in this world, we do so with the assurance that Christ has overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Overcoming the World")) and will ultimately deliver us into His eternal kingdom ([2 Timothy 4:18](/2_timothy/4-18 "2 Timothy 4:18 - The Lord's Deliverance")). His return will bring the final and complete eradication of all evil and violence, ushering in a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Sorrow")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 18:48

He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.

Psalms 140:4

Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.

Psalms 71:4

Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.

Habakkuk 1:2

O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! [even] cry out unto thee [of] violence, and thou wilt not save!

Habakkuk 1:3

Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause [me] to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence [are] before me: and there are [that] raise up strife and contention.

Psalms 140:11

Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow [him].

Psalms 17:13

Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, [which is] thy sword: