TRV
Translation
King James Version
I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.
American Standard Version
I said unto Jehovah, Thou art my God: Give ear unto the voice of my supplications, O Jehovah.
World English Bible Messianic
I said to the LORD, “You are my God.” Listen to the cry of my petitions, LORD.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Therefore I saide vnto the Lord, Thou art my God: heare, O Lord, the voyce of my prayers.
Young's Literal Translation
I have said to Jehovah, `My God art Thou, Hear, Jehovah, the voice of my supplications.'
In the KJVVerse 16,270 of 31,102
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Commentary on Psalms 140 verses 1–7
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.
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.
In this, as in other things, David was a type of Christ, that he suffered before he reigned, was humbled before he was exalted, and that as there were many who loved and valued him, and sought to do him honour, so there were many who hated and envied him, and sought to do him mischief, as appears by these verses, where,
I. He gives a character of his enemies, and paints them out in their own colours, as dangerous men, whom he had reason to be afraid of, but wicked men, whom he had no reason to think the righteous God would countenance. There was one that seems to have been the ring-leader of them, whom he calls the evil man and the man of violences (Psa 140:1, Psa 140:4), probably he means Saul. The Chaldee paraphrast (Psa 140:9) names both Doeg and Ahithophel; but between them there was a great distance of time. Violent men are evil men. But there were many besides this one who were confederate against David, who are here represented as the genuine offspring and seed of the serpent. For, 1. They are very subtle, crafty to do mischief; they have imagined it (Psa 140:2), have laid the scheme with all the art and cunning imaginable. They have purposed and plotted to overthrow the goings of a good man (Psa 140:4), to draw him into sin and trouble, to ruin him by blasting his reputation, crushing his interest, and taking away his life. For this purpose they have, like mighty hunters, hidden a snare, and spread a net, and set gins (Psa 140:5), that their designs against him, being kept undiscovered, might be the more likely to take effect, and he might fall into their hands ere he was aware. Great persecutors have often been great politicians, which has indeed made them the more formidable; but the Lord preserves the simple without all those arts. 2. They are very spiteful, as full of malice as Satan himself: They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent, that infuses his venom with his tongue; and there is so much malignity in all they say that one would think there was nothing under their lips but adders' poison, Psa 140:3. With their calumnies, and with their counsels, they aimed to destroy David, but secretly, as a man is stung with a serpent, or a snake in the grass. And they endeavoured likewise to infuse their malice into others, and to make them seven times more the children of hell than themselves. A malignant tongue makes men like the old serpent; and poison in the lips is a certain sign of poison in the heart. 3. They are confederate; they are many of them; but they are all gathered together against me for war, Psa 140:2. Those who can agree in nothing else can agree to persecute a good man. Herod and Pilate will unite in this, and in this they resemble Satan, who is not divided against himself, all the devils agreeing in Beelzebub. 4. They are proud (Psa 140:5), conceited of themselves and confident of their success; and herein also they resemble Satan, whose reigning ruining sin was pride. The pride of persecutors, though at present it be the terror, yet may be the encouragement, of the persecuted, for the more haughty they are the faster are they ripening for ruin. Pride goes before destruction.
II. He prays to God to keep him from them and from being swallowed up by them: "Lord, deliver me, preserve me, keep me (Psa 140:1, Psa 140:4); let them not prevail to take away my life, my reputation, my interest, my comfort, and to prevent my coming to the throne. Keep me from doing as they do, or as they would have me do, or as they promise themselves I shall do." Note, The more malice appears in our enemies against us the more earnest we should be in prayer to God to take us under his protection. In him believers may count upon a security, and may enjoy it and themselves with a holy serenity. Those are safe whom God preserves. If he be for us, who can be against us?
III. He triumphs in God, and thereby, in effect, he triumphs over his persecutors, Psa 140:6, Psa 140:7. When his enemies sharpened their tongues against him, did he sharpen his against them? No; adders' poison was under their lips, but grace was poured into his lips, witness what he here said unto the Lord, for to him he looked, to him he directed himself, when he saw himself in so much danger, through the malice of his enemies: and it is well for us that we have a God to go to. He comforted himself, 1. In his interest in God: "I said, Thou art my God; and, if my God, then my shield and mighty protector." In troublous dangerous times it is good to claim relation to God, and by faith to keep hold of him. 2. In his access to God. This comforted him, that he was not only taken into covenant with God, but into communion with him, that he had leave to speak to him, and might expect an answer of peace from him, and could say, with a humble confidence, Hear the voice of my supplications, O Lord! 3. In the assurance he had of help from God and happiness in him: "O God the Lord - Jehovah Adonai! as Jehovah thou art self-existent and self-sufficient, an infinitely perfect being; as Adonai thou art my stay and support, my ruler and governor, and therefore the strength of my salvation, my strong Saviour; nay, not only my Saviour, but my salvation itself, from whom, in whom, my salvation is; not only a strong Saviour, but the very strength of my salvation, on whom the stress of my hope is laid; all in all, to make me happy, and to preserve me to my happiness." 4. In the experience he had had formerly of God's care of him: Thou hast covered my head in the day of battle. As he pleaded with Saul, that, for the service of his country, he many a time jeoparded his life in the high places of the field, so he pleads with God that, in those services, he had wonderfully protected him, and provided him a better helmet for the securing of his head than Goliath's was: "Lord, thou hast kept me in the day of battle with the Philistines, suffer me not to fall by the treacherous intrigues of false-hearted Israelites." God is as able to preserve his people from secret fraud as from open force; and the experience we have had of his power and care, in dangers of one kind, may encourage us to trust in him and depend upon him in dangers of another nature; for nothing can shorten the Lord's right hand.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–7. Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 140
And what remains? What remedy amid such ills, in such temptations, such dangers? "I said unto the Lord, You are my God" [Psalm 140:6]. Loud is the voice of prayer, it excites confidence. Is He not the God of the others? Of whom is not He God, who is the true God? Yet is He specially theirs, who enjoy Him, who serve Him, who willingly submit to Him. For the wicked too, though unwillingly, are subject to Him...."Hear with Your ears the voice of my prayer." He did not say, "Hear with Your ears my prayer;" but, as though expressing more plainly the affection of his heart, " the voice of my prayer," the life of my prayer, the soul of my prayer, not that which sounds in my words, but that which gives life to my words. For all other noises without life may be called sounds, but not words. Words belong to those that have souls, to the living. But how many pray to God, yet have neither perception of God, nor right thoughts concerning God! These may have the sound of prayer, the voice they cannot, for there is no life in them. This was the voice of the prayer of one who was alive, forasmuch as he understood that God was his God, saw by Whom he was freed, perceived from whom he was freed.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 140:6 is a profound declaration by David, amidst severe distress, affirming his unwavering personal relationship with the LORD and expressing an earnest plea for divine intervention. It encapsulates a pivotal moment where, despite facing treacherous enemies and imminent danger, David turns from his circumstances to reaffirm his covenantal trust in God as his ultimate refuge and sovereign, humbly entreating Him to hear and respond to his desperate cries for deliverance.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalm 140 is a fervent individual lament, one of many psalms attributed to David that express distress and appeal for divine deliverance from enemies. The preceding verses Psalms 140:1-5 vividly detail the malicious intentions and actions of David's adversaries, describing them as violent men who plot evil, sharpen their tongues like serpents, and lay snares. In this context of intense external pressure and fear, verse 6 marks a crucial shift. Instead of dwelling solely on the threats, David deliberately pivots to a declaration of faith and a direct address to God, establishing his relationship with the Divine as the foundation for his subsequent pleas for protection and justice found in Psalms 140:7-13. This declaration of allegiance precedes and undergirds his specific requests, highlighting that his hope is firmly rooted in God's character and covenant faithfulness.
Historical & Cultural Context: While the specific historical backdrop for Psalm 140 is not explicitly stated, it aligns with numerous periods in King David's life marked by persecution and betrayal, such as his flight from King Saul, detailed in 1 Samuel 23, or the rebellion of Absalom, recounted in 2 Samuel 15. In ancient Israelite culture, the relationship between a king and his God was paramount, often mirroring a covenant between a suzerain and his vassal. David's declaration, "Thou art my God," reflects this covenantal understanding, emphasizing a personal and exclusive devotion to Yahweh, the God of Israel, amidst a polytheistic world. His "supplications" (Hebrew: tachănûwn) were a common form of prayer, signifying earnest entreaties for grace and mercy, often accompanied by a posture of humility and dependence, recognizing God's sovereign right to grant or withhold favor.
Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of Personal Relationship and Covenant Loyalty. David's direct address, "I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God," is a profound affirmation of an intimate, covenantal bond, echoing similar expressions of reliance found in passages like Psalm 18:2. This is not merely an intellectual acknowledgment of God's existence but a heartfelt declaration of God's specific and active role as his protector and sovereign. Secondly, the verse highlights Humble Supplication and Divine Responsiveness. David's plea, "hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD," exemplifies a posture of humble dependence. The act of "hearing" implies not just auditory perception but attentive, compassionate response, reinforcing the biblical truth that God is attentive to the cries of His people, as seen in Psalm 4:3. Finally, it reinforces the theme of Trust Amidst Adversity. Even when surrounded by enemies and facing dire threats, David's primary response is to reaffirm his faith in God, modeling for believers the importance of declaring trust and dependence on God, especially in times of great difficulty, and reinforcing the truth that God is a steadfast refuge in trouble, as articulated in Psalm 46:1.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
LORD (Hebrew, Yᵉhôvâh', H1961): This refers to the sacred, covenantal name of God, often rendered "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." Derived from a root meaning "to be" or "to exist" (H1961 hayah), it emphasizes God's self-existence, eternality, and faithfulness to His promises. David's use of this name signifies his appeal to the God who is uniquely Israel's covenant partner, the One who is utterly reliable and unchanging.
my God (Hebrew, ʼêl', H410): While ʼêl (H410) generally denotes "God" or "mighty one," its conjunction with the possessive pronoun "my" transforms it into a deeply personal confession. It signifies David's individual allegiance and intimate relationship with the Almighty, acknowledging Him not just as the universal deity but as his personal protector, strength, and sovereign. This declaration is a cornerstone of his faith amidst distress.
supplications (Hebrew, tachănûwn', H8469): This term (H8469) denotes earnest prayer or entreaty, specifically a plea for grace, favor, or mercy. It implies a humble and dependent posture, acknowledging one's need and God's sovereign power to grant relief. David is not demanding but humbly seeking divine compassion and intervention, recognizing his utter reliance on God's unmerited favor.
Verse Breakdown
"I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God": This opening clause is a powerful and deliberate declaration of faith. "I said" (Hebrew: ʼâmar H559) indicates a conscious, verbalized affirmation, not merely an internal thought. It is a public or personal vow of allegiance. By addressing "the LORD" (Yahweh, H3068) and unequivocally stating "Thou art my God" (my ʼêl, H410), David establishes the foundation of his prayer: a personal, covenantal relationship with the sovereign God. This is an act of trust and a re-centering of his perspective from his enemies to his divine helper.
"hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD." This second clause is the direct petition, flowing logically from the preceding declaration of trust. "Hear" (Hebrew: ʼâzan H238) implies not just auditory perception, but attentive listening and, by extension, responsive action. David is asking God to incline His ear, to pay close attention to his "voice" (Hebrew: qôwl H6963, signifying a cry or sound) of "supplications" (Hebrew: tachănûwn H8469, earnest pleas for mercy). The repetition of "O LORD" at the end emphasizes the intensity and directness of his appeal to the covenant-keeping God.
Literary Devices
Psalm 140:6 employs several impactful literary devices. Direct Address is prominent, as David speaks directly to God ("unto the LORD," "O LORD," "Thou art my God"), creating an intimate and immediate tone characteristic of personal lament psalms. This direct communication underscores the personal nature of his relationship with God. The verse also utilizes Confession or Declaration of Faith, particularly in the phrase "Thou art my God," which is a foundational statement of personal allegiance and theological truth. This confession serves as a prelude and basis for the subsequent Supplication, where David humbly requests divine attention and intervention. The structure moves from an affirmation of identity to a plea for action, demonstrating a logical progression of faith in prayer. Furthermore, the repetition of "O LORD" functions as a form of Epistrophe, emphasizing the recipient of the prayer and reinforcing the psalmist's unwavering focus on God amidst his distress.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 140:6 profoundly articulates the essence of biblical prayer: a confident declaration of God's identity and personal relationship, followed by a humble yet earnest appeal for His intervention. It underscores the theological truth that genuine prayer is rooted in a covenantal bond, where the believer acknowledges God's sovereignty and faithfulness before presenting their needs. This verse highlights that God is not a distant deity but a personal Father who inclines His ear to the cries of His children, especially in times of distress. It models a faith that, even when surrounded by overwhelming adversity, chooses to reaffirm God's supremacy and personal commitment, trusting that His nature as the covenant LORD guarantees His attentive and compassionate response.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 140:6 offers a timeless blueprint for navigating life's inevitable seasons of adversity. When faced with overwhelming challenges, whether from external opposition or internal struggles, our primary response should be to re-anchor ourselves in the unwavering truth of God's identity and our personal relationship with Him. This verse encourages us to verbally declare, with conviction, "You are my God," affirming His sovereignty over our circumstances and His intimate involvement in our lives. Such a declaration shifts our focus from the problem to the all-powerful God who is capable of delivering us. Following this declaration, we are invited to bring our deepest fears and most earnest needs before Him with humble persistence, trusting that He not only hears but actively attends to the "voice of our supplications." This practice cultivates a spirit of dependence, reminding us that our ultimate security and deliverance come not from our own strength or ingenuity, but from the attentive and merciful hand of the LORD.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of David calling God 'my God' in this context?
Answer: David's declaration "Thou art my God" is profoundly significant because it moves beyond a general acknowledgment of God's existence to a deeply personal and covenantal affirmation. In a context of intense personal danger, it signifies David's exclusive allegiance and trust in Yahweh, the God of Israel, as his personal protector and sovereign. This phrase underscores the intimate bond between the worshiper and the Divine, asserting that despite the chaos around him, his ultimate security and identity are found in his relationship with the Almighty. It's a statement of faith that re-centers his perspective on God's faithfulness and power, even when human solutions fail, much like the psalmist's confidence in Psalm 23:1.
Why does David ask God to 'hear' his supplications if God is omniscient?
Answer: While God is indeed omniscient and knows all things, including our unspoken thoughts and needs, David's request for God to "hear" his supplications is not about informing God of something He doesn't know. Instead, it is a plea for God's attentive and responsive action. In biblical language, "to hear" often implies not just auditory perception but also understanding, compassion, and a willingness to act on what is heard. It's an appeal for God to "incline His ear" and intervene on David's behalf, demonstrating His active care and deliverance. This is a common biblical expression of earnest prayer, signifying a desire for God's merciful and powerful engagement with the petitioner's distress, as seen in many prayers throughout the Book of Psalms.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 140:6, with its declaration of God as "my God" and its plea for divine hearing, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the perfect supplicant, who in His humanity, cried out to the Father with "loud cries and tears" (Hebrews 5:7), embodying the earnest supplication David expresses. More profoundly, Jesus is the one through whom humanity can truly declare, "Thou art my God." Through His atoning work, we are reconciled to the Father, gaining access to a relationship where God is truly "our God" and we are His children (John 1:12). The "voice of our supplications" is now heard and accepted by the Father not based on our merit, but on the perfect mediation of Christ, who ever lives to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:25). In Christ, the covenant LORD has fully revealed Himself, and the promise of attentive divine hearing is sealed by the Holy Spirit, who intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words (Romans 8:26). Thus, David's cry becomes our confident prayer, knowing that in Jesus, God is indeed our God, and He faithfully hears and responds to the cries of His redeemed people.