Psalms 140:2

KJV

Which imagine mischiefs in [their] heart; continually are they gathered together [for] war.

KJV (with Strong's)

Which imagine {H2803} mischiefs {H7451} in their heart {H3820}; continually {H3117} are they gathered together {H1481} for war {H4421}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They plan evil things in their hearts they continually stir up bitter strife.

Berean Standard Bible

who devise evil in their hearts and stir up war all day long.

American Standard Version

Who devise mischiefs in their heart; Continually do they gather themselves together for war.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 140:2 vividly portrays the insidious nature of the psalmist's adversaries, revealing their internal malevolence and their external readiness for conflict. This verse exposes enemies whose thoughts are consumed by wickedness and whose collective actions are perpetually directed towards hostile engagement, underscoring the deep-seated malice that drives their opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 140 is a fervent prayer of lament and deliverance, attributed to David, who is surrounded by treacherous and violent adversaries. The psalm opens with David's urgent plea for rescue from the "evil man" and the "violent man" in [Psalms 140:1](/psalms/140-1 "Psalm 140:1 - Prayer for Deliverance"). This immediate preceding verse sets the stage for the detailed description of their wickedness found in [Psalms 140:2](/psalms/140-2 "Psalm 140:2 - The Enemies' Malice"). The verse functions to elaborate on the character and intentions of these enemies, justifying David's desperate cry to God for protection and intervention. It highlights that the threat is not merely external but originates from a deeply rooted, premeditated evil, thereby intensifying the need for divine justice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed likely during a period of intense personal danger for David, such as his flight from King Saul or the rebellion of Absalom, this psalm reflects the constant peril faced by ancient Near Eastern monarchs from both internal conspirators and external hostile forces. The cultural understanding of the "heart" (Hebrew: _lēb_) in ancient Israel was not merely an organ but the seat of intellect, will, and emotion—the very core of one's being. Thus, "imagining mischiefs in their heart" signified a deeply ingrained, intentional wickedness, not a spontaneous outburst. Warfare was a pervasive reality, and the "gathering together for war" could refer to literal military preparations or, more broadly, to concerted efforts to undermine, slander, and persecute the psalmist through cunning schemes and alliances.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 140 and the broader Psalter. First, it underscores the theme of **Malicious Intent and Inner Wickedness**, revealing that the enemies' hostility is not accidental but conceived and cultivated through deliberate thought and planning, as seen in their "imagining mischiefs in their heart." Second, it highlights **Organized and Persistent Hostility**, as they "continually are they gathered together for war," emphasizing a relentless, united, and active threat. This suggests a persistent conspiracy and readiness for conflict, indicating that these adversaries are not just individuals with ill will but an organized force bent on destruction. Finally, implicit in David's vivid description of his formidable enemies is the profound theme of **The Need for Divine Protection and Justice**. When human adversaries are so thoroughly committed to evil and organized in their opposition, only the sovereign intervention of God can offer true security, deliverance, and righteous judgment, a plea that resonates throughout [Psalm 140](/psalms/140 "Psalm 140 - A Prayer for Deliverance from Evil Men").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **imagine (Hebrew, _châshab'_):** From H2803, this primitive root means "to plait or interpenetrate," and figuratively, "to plot or contrive (usually in a malicious sense)." It conveys a sense of deliberate calculation, thoughtful orchestration, and premeditated wickedness. It's not a spontaneous thought but a carefully devised scheme, highlighting the intentionality behind the enemies' evil.
* **mischiefs (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** From H7451, this word denotes "bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)." It encompasses adversity, affliction, harm, calamity, and general wickedness. The use of this term emphasizes the destructive and detrimental nature of the intentions conceived in the enemies' hearts, aiming to cause significant suffering or ruin.
* **gathered together (Hebrew, _gûwr'_):** From H1481, this primitive root primarily means "to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e. sojourn (as a guest)." However, it also carries the sense of "to gather for hostility (as afraid)." In this context, it speaks to a deliberate assembly or confederacy of individuals with a hostile intent, indicating a concerted effort or conspiracy aimed at the psalmist.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which imagine mischiefs in [their] heart":** This clause reveals the internal, premeditated nature of the enemies' evil. Their hostility is not merely reactive or accidental but is conceived, planned, and cultivated deep within their inner being. The "heart" (Hebrew: _lēb_) signifies the core of their intellect, will, and emotion, indicating that their wicked designs are fundamental to who they are and are deliberately formed. This points to an insidious, calculating malice.
* **"continually are they gathered together [for] war":** This second clause describes the external manifestation and persistent nature of their threat. The term "continually" (Hebrew: _yôwm_, meaning "day" or "daily") emphasizes the ongoing, relentless, and unceasing nature of their plotting and preparation. Their "gathering together for war" signifies a united, organized, and active readiness for conflict, whether literal military aggression or a concerted, persistent effort to undermine and persecute the psalmist through various means. It portrays a formidable, collective opposition.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey the nature of the psalmist's enemies. The phrase "imagine mischiefs in their heart" utilizes **Metonymy**, where "heart" represents the entire inner being—the seat of thought, will, and emotion. This emphasizes that the evil originates from the very core of their being, making it deeply ingrained and intentional. The structure of the verse also presents a form of **Parallelism**, contrasting the internal, hidden plotting ("imagine mischiefs in their heart") with the external, visible manifestation of their hostility ("continually are they gathered together for war"). This highlights the comprehensive nature of their threat, encompassing both thought and action. The word "continually" can also be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the relentless and unceasing nature of their malicious efforts, underscoring the psalmist's constant state of vulnerability and the extremity of the danger.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 140:2 offers profound theological insight into the nature of evil and human depravity. It teaches that true wickedness often originates not from external circumstances but from the deep-seated intentions of the heart, manifesting as deliberate plots and organized aggression. This understanding aligns with biblical anthropology, which recognizes humanity's fallen nature and the heart as the source of both good and evil. The psalmist's experience reflects the reality of spiritual warfare, where believers face adversaries whose schemes are often hidden but whose intent is destructive. It underscores the necessity of divine intervention against such pervasive malice, affirming God's role as the righteous judge and protector of His people against those who plot their harm.

* [Proverbs 6:18](/proverbs/6-18 "Proverbs 6:18 - Seven Abominations to the Lord") speaks of "a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations," echoing the concept of internal malice.
* [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - The Spiritual Battle") describes the spiritual battle against unseen forces: "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
* [Psalm 35:1](/psalms/35-1 "Psalm 35:1 - A Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies") captures David's frequent appeal to God for deliverance: "Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse provides timeless insight into the nature of human evil and the challenges believers may face in any era. It reminds us that opposition often stems from deep-seated malice and can be highly organized and persistent. For the modern reader, it serves as a powerful call to spiritual vigilance, recognizing that not all conflict is accidental; some opposition is rooted in deliberate, malicious intent, whether from individuals, systems, or spiritual forces. Just as David recognized the persistent nature of his enemies' plots, believers today must be discerning about the sources of opposition and the schemes of the adversary. Crucially, David's response was not to retaliate in kind but to turn to God in desperate prayer. This verse underscores the enduring importance of prayer as our primary defense and source of refuge when facing those who "imagine mischiefs" and "gather for war" against us, whether literally or figuratively. It encourages us to seek God's protection, justice, and deliverance, trusting that He sees the hidden intentions of the heart and will ultimately bring justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the internal, premeditated nature of evil (imagining mischiefs in the heart) change your perspective on conflict or opposition you might face?**
* **In what ways might "gathering together for war" manifest in contemporary society, beyond literal military conflict (e.g., social, political, spiritual spheres)?**
* **What practical steps can a believer take to exercise spiritual vigilance against malicious intent, as implied by this verse?**
* **How does David's immediate turning to God in prayer (as seen in the broader Psalm) inform your own response when facing persistent or organized opposition?**

### FAQ

**What kind of "mischiefs" are imagined by these enemies?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "mischiefs" (H7451, _raʻ_) is broad, encompassing various forms of evil, harm, or calamity. In the context of Psalm 140, these mischiefs would include plots to slander, deceive, betray, or physically harm the psalmist. They are not random acts but deliberate, calculated evils designed to cause distress, ruin, or even death to the target. The emphasis is on the destructive and malicious intent behind their thoughts, aiming to bring about adverse circumstances for the psalmist.

**Who are these "enemies" that continually gather for war?**

Answer: While the psalm does not explicitly name the enemies, they are generally understood to be wicked and violent individuals who oppose David. Historically, this could refer to internal conspirators within David's own kingdom (like those involved in Absalom's rebellion, as described in [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion"), or the plots against him by King Saul, found in [1 Samuel 19](/1_samuel/19 "1 Samuel 19 - Saul's Attempts to Kill David")) or external hostile nations. Spiritually, they represent any force, human or demonic, that sets itself against God's anointed or God's people, seeking to cause harm and disruption. The description emphasizes their collective and persistent nature rather than their specific identity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 140:2, with its depiction of enemies who "imagine mischiefs in their heart" and "continually are they gathered together for war," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the life and ministry of Jesus. He perfectly embodied the righteous sufferer, facing relentless opposition from those whose hearts were filled with malice and who constantly conspired against Him. The religious leaders of His day, for instance, repeatedly "imagined mischiefs" against Him, devising schemes to trap Him in His words ([Matthew 22:15](/matthew/22-15 "Matthew 22:15 - Pharisees Plot to Entrap Jesus")) and ultimately plotting His death ([John 11:53](/john/11-53 "John 11:53 - Council Decides to Kill Jesus")). Their "gathering together for war" culminated in the unjust trials and crucifixion of the innocent Lamb of God. Yet, in His suffering, Jesus did not succumb to their malice but perfectly trusted in His Father, demonstrating the ultimate reliance on divine protection that the psalmist yearned for. Furthermore, Christ's victory on the cross disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over the ultimate enemy whose "mischiefs" had enslaved humanity ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Through His resurrection, Jesus definitively defeated the spiritual forces of evil, offering His followers deliverance from the schemes of the adversary and the power of sin, fulfilling the psalmist's hope for divine rescue from all who imagine and gather for war against God's people.

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 36:4

He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way [that is] not good; he abhorreth not evil.

Psalms 56:6

They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.

Micah 2:1

¶ Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand.

Micah 2:3

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, against this family do I devise an evil, from which ye shall not remove your necks; neither shall ye go haughtily: for this time [is] evil.

Psalms 64:5

They encourage themselves [in] an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?

Psalms 64:6

They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward [thought] of every one [of them], and the heart, [is] deep.

Psalms 21:11

For they intended evil against thee: they imagined a mischievous device, [which] they are not able [to perform].