Psalms 140:8

KJV

¶ Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; [lest] they exalt themselves. Selah.

KJV (with Strong's)

Grant {H5414} not, O LORD {H3068}, the desires {H3970} of the wicked {H7563}: further {H6329} not his wicked device {H2162}; lest they exalt {H7311} themselves. Selah {H5542}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI, don't grant the wicked their wishes; make their plot fail, so they won't grow proud. (Selah)

Berean Standard Bible

Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not promote their evil plans, lest they be exalted. Selah

American Standard Version

Grant not, O Jehovah, the desires of the wicked; Further not his evil device, lest they exalt themselves. [Selah

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 140:8 is a fervent prayer from David, a plea to the LORD to actively thwart the malicious intentions and schemes of the wicked. It expresses a deep reliance on divine intervention, not only to protect the righteous from harm but crucially, to prevent the wicked from succeeding in their evil plots, which would lead to their self-exaltation and increased arrogance. This verse underscores the psalmist's conviction that God's sovereignty extends over all human endeavors, including the most malevolent, and that His justice will ultimately prevail, preventing the triumph of pride and unrighteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 140 is a "psalm of lament," a genre common in the Psalter where the supplicant cries out to God from a place of distress, typically due to the persecution of enemies. David, the presumed author, begins by appealing for deliverance from "evil men" and "violent men" ([Psalm 140:1](/psalms/140-1 "Psalm 140:1 - A Prayer for Deliverance")). He vividly describes their malicious words, likened to serpent's venom ([Psalm 140:3](/psalms/140-3 "Psalm 140:3 - Poison of Serpents")), and their hidden traps ([Psalm 140:5](/psalms/140-5 "Psalm 140:5 - Snares and Cords")). Verse 8, therefore, functions as a direct petition within this extended cry for help, specifically asking God to intervene by frustrating the very source of the enemies' power—their desires and devices. It follows a declaration of trust in God as "my God" and a plea for Him to hear the voice of supplication ([Psalm 140:6](/psalms/140-6 "Psalm 140:6 - My God and My Supplication")). The psalm concludes with confident declarations of God's justice and the eventual triumph of the righteous ([Psalm 140:12-13](/psalms/140-12 "Psalm 140:12-13 - God Upholds the Cause of the Afflicted")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical backdrop for Psalm 140 is not explicitly stated, it aligns with many episodes in David's life where he faced relentless persecution from adversaries, such as King Saul, Absalom, or various foreign enemies. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a king's stability and success were often seen as reflections of divine favor. Conversely, the triumph of enemies could be interpreted as a sign of divine abandonment or weakness. David's prayer, therefore, is not merely personal but also has implications for the stability of his reign and the reputation of Yahweh among the nations. The "wicked" (רָשָׁע, _râshâʻ_) were often those who disregarded covenant obligations, practiced injustice, and sought to harm the righteous, often through deceit and violence. The concept of "exalting themselves" was particularly offensive in a culture that valued humility before God and recognized all authority as ultimately derived from Him.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, asserting God's ultimate control over human affairs, even the most nefarious plots. David trusts that God is not merely an observer but an active participant who can "further not" (thwart) the plans of the wicked, echoing the sentiment found in [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the LORD"). Secondly, it emphasizes the **Danger of Pride and Self-Exaltation**. The core fear is "lest they exalt themselves," revealing a theological concern that the success of evil would lead to increased arrogance and a denial of God's authority, a theme consistently warned against throughout Scripture, as seen in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction"). Lastly, the verse exemplifies the theme of **Prayer as a Weapon Against Evil**, demonstrating that believers are called to bring their fears and grievances to God, trusting Him to fight on their behalf rather than resorting to personal vengeance, a principle also found in [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is the LORD's").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Grant (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This primitive root (H5414) is highly versatile, meaning "to give," but used with a wide latitude of application including to put, make, allow, appoint, or bestow. In the negative imperative "Grant not," it functions as a fervent plea for God to absolutely withhold permission or enablement from the wicked. It emphasizes God's active role in either allowing or preventing outcomes, highlighting His sovereign control over circumstances.
* **wicked device (Hebrew, _zâmâm'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to plot" (H2162), this term specifically refers to an evil thought, scheme, or malicious machination. It denotes deliberate, premeditated evil planning, not merely impulsive wrongdoing. The psalmist is asking God to frustrate the calculated, malevolent strategies of his adversaries.
* **exalt themselves (Hebrew, _rûwm'_):** This primitive root (H7311) means "to be high," "to rise," or "to raise." In this context, it carries the strong connotation of spiritual pride, arrogance, and an inflated sense of self-importance. If the wicked were to succeed in their schemes, they would attribute their success to their own cunning and power, thereby lifting themselves up in defiance of God and His justice. The prayer seeks to prevent this spiritual downfall.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked:"** The psalmist begins with a direct, urgent plea to Yahweh (H3068, the covenant God of Israel). The negative imperative "Grant not" (אַל־תִּתֵּן) is a passionate cry for God to withhold His permission or enablement from the "desires" (מַאֲוַיֵּי, _maʼăvay_, H3970) of the wicked. These "desires" encompass not just wishes but their full range of evil aspirations, intentions, and plots. It is a recognition of God's ultimate authority to either allow or frustrate human plans.
* **"further not his wicked device;"** This clause reinforces the previous petition, using a parallel structure. "Further not" (אַל־תָּפֵק, _'al-tâfêq_, from _pûwq_, H6329, meaning to issue, furnish, secure, or succeed) is another strong negative imperative, imploring God to prevent the success or accomplishment of the wicked's "device" (זִמָּתוֹ, _zimmatō_, H2162). This "device" refers to their evil schemes, plots, and machinations, highlighting the premeditated nature of their malice. The prayer is for God to actively obstruct their plans from coming to fruition.
* **"lest they exalt themselves."** This crucial phrase reveals the primary theological motivation behind the prayer. The psalmist is not merely concerned with personal safety but with the spiritual consequences of the wicked's success. If their evil plans were to succeed, they would "exalt themselves" (יָרוּמוּ, _yarumu_, H7311), meaning they would become arrogant, proud, and boastful, attributing their success to their own power or cleverness rather than acknowledging God's ultimate sovereignty. This pride is a grave spiritual danger, and the prayer seeks to prevent it.
* **"Selah."** This is a musical or liturgical notation, often interpreted as a pause for reflection or an instruction for a musical interlude. Here, it invites the reader or listener to pause and deeply consider the profound implications of the preceding petition—the gravity of unchecked evil, the spiritual danger of pride, and the absolute necessity of God's intervention.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 140:8 employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where "Grant not...the desires of the wicked" is echoed and reinforced by "further not his wicked device." This repetition intensifies the plea and emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the request—that God would thwart both the underlying intentions and the active plans of the wicked. The use of the **Imperative Mood** ("Grant not," "further not") conveys the urgency and directness of the psalmist's appeal to God, reflecting a desperate yet trusting reliance on divine action. The phrase "lest they exalt themselves" serves as a **Consequence Clause**, highlighting the theological rationale behind the petition and underscoring the spiritual danger of unchecked pride. Finally, the inclusion of **"Selah"** acts as a **Rhetorical Pause**, inviting contemplation and underscoring the profound spiritual weight of the prayer, prompting the audience to meditate on God's sovereignty and the perils of human arrogance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 140:8 profoundly articulates a core biblical truth: God's active involvement in human affairs, particularly in frustrating the plans of the wicked to uphold His righteousness and prevent the triumph of pride. This verse teaches that our prayers should extend beyond personal safety to encompass a concern for God's glory and the spiritual state of all, even our adversaries. It aligns with the broader biblical narrative that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, demonstrating His ultimate sovereignty over all human machinations. The psalmist's plea is an act of faith, acknowledging that true justice and deliverance come from God alone, and that His intervention is necessary to prevent evil from gaining a foothold that would lead to self-exaltation.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the LORD")
* [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 140:8 offers a profound model for how believers should approach God when faced with injustice, opposition, or the apparent triumph of evil. It calls us to move beyond mere self-preservation and to pray with a deeper theological understanding: recognizing that the success of the wicked is not just a threat to us, but a spiritual danger to them, fostering pride and further rebellion against God. This verse encourages us to trust in God's active sovereignty, knowing that He hears our cries and is capable of frustrating the most cunning and malicious human plans. Our prayers should be fervent, specific, and rooted in a desire for God's glory to be upheld, even if it means preventing the wicked from exalting themselves. It reminds us that God's justice is not passive but actively intervenes to ensure His ultimate reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "lest they exalt themselves" clause change your perspective on praying for those who oppose you?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to "exalt yourself" when you experience success, and how can this verse help you cultivate humility?**
* **How does this psalm encourage you to trust in God's sovereignty even when evil seems to be prospering in the world around you?**

### FAQ
**What does "Selah" mean in the Psalms?**

Answer: "Selah" (H5542) is a Hebrew word found frequently in the Psalms and Habakkuk, typically at the end of a verse or section. Its exact meaning is debated, but it is widely understood to be a musical or liturgical notation. Common interpretations suggest it indicates a pause for reflection, a musical interlude, or a change in musical accompaniment. In the context of Psalm 140:8, it serves to invite the reader or listener to pause and deeply ponder the gravity of the prayer and the profound spiritual truth just expressed about God's intervention and the dangers of pride.

**Why is David concerned about the wicked exalting themselves?**

Answer: David's concern that the wicked might "exalt themselves" (H7311, _rûwm_) is deeply theological. If the wicked succeed in their malicious schemes, they would likely attribute their success to their own power, cunning, or wisdom, rather than acknowledging God's ultimate sovereignty and justice. This self-exaltation is a form of pride, which the Bible consistently portrays as an abomination to God and a precursor to destruction. [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction") states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." David's prayer is not just for his own protection but for the preservation of God's honor and the prevention of further spiritual degradation in his adversaries. It reflects a desire for God's glory to be vindicated and for humility to prevail.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 140:8, a prayer for God to frustrate the wicked and prevent their self-exaltation, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While David prayed for deliverance from earthly adversaries, Christ's mission was to confront the ultimate "wicked device" of Satan and sin. The devil's primary desire was to "exalt himself" above God, a rebellion that began in heaven and continued through his temptation of humanity ([Isaiah 14:12-15](/isaiah/14-12 "Isaiah 14:12-15 - Lucifer's Fall") and [Genesis 3:5](/genesis/3-5 "Genesis 3:5 - The Serpent's Lie")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus decisively "furthered not" the wicked device of Satan. He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). The cross, seemingly a triumph for the forces of evil, became the very means by which God's righteous judgment was executed, and Satan's power was broken, preventing his ultimate self-exaltation. Furthermore, Christ Himself, though God, did not exalt Himself but humbled Himself, becoming obedient to death on a cross, and therefore God highly exalted Him ([Philippians 2:6-9](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-9 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). This demonstrates that true exaltation comes not through wicked devices or self-promotion, but through humble obedience to God, echoing the very principle David prayed for. In Christ, God has indeed "granted not the desires of the wicked" and prevented their ultimate self-exaltation, securing victory for all who trust in Him.

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 10:2

The wicked in [his] pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.

Psalms 10:3

For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, [whom] the LORD abhorreth.

2 Samuel 15:31

¶ And [one] told David, saying, Ahithophel [is] among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.

Psalms 27:12

Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

Deuteronomy 32:27

Were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should behave themselves strangely, [and] lest they should say, Our hand [is] high, and the LORD hath not done all this.

Job 5:12

He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform [their] enterprise.

Job 5:13

He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.