Psalm 140 — A Prayer for Deliverance
Psalm 140 is a prayer for protection from violent and deceitful enemies. The psalmist expresses trust in God's justice for the afflicted and the righteous.
1Deliver me, LORD, from evil men.
2those who devise mischief in their hearts.
3They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent.
4LORD, keep me from the hands of the wicked.
5The proud have hidden a snare for me,
6I said to the LORD, “You are my God.”
7LORD, the Lord, the strength of my salvation,
8LORD, don’t grant the desires of the wicked.
9As for the head of those who surround me,
10Let burning coals fall on them.
11An evil speaker won’t be established in the earth.
12I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted,
13Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Psalm 140:1
“Deliver me, LORD, from evil men. Preserve me from violent men;”
This verse establishes the core plea for protection that defines the entire psalm.
Psalm 140:6
“I said to the LORD, “You are my God.””
This simple affirmation highlights the personal relationship and trust the psalmist has in God during times of trouble.
Psalm 140:12
“I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted,”
It shifts the tone from a plea for help to a confident declaration of God's character and commitment to justice.
Chapter Summary
Psalm 140 is a petition for divine protection against malicious and violent people. The psalmist describes enemies who devise mischief in their hearts, sharpen their tongues like serpents, and set hidden snares to trip the righteous. Throughout the text, the speaker appeals directly to the Lord, identifying Him as their God and the strength of their salvation. The psalm asks that the desires of the wicked be denied and that the consequences of their evil actions return upon them through symbolic imagery like burning coals. It concludes with a firm declaration of confidence that God will uphold the cause of the afflicted and provide justice for the needy. Ultimately, the text encourages the righteous to give thanks to the Lord's name, ending on a note of assurance that the upright will dwell in His presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main theme is a prayer for deliverance from deceitful and violent enemies. The psalmist asks for God's protection and expresses confidence that the Lord will bring justice to those who are afflicted.
The enemies are described as people who devise mischief in their hearts and sharpen their tongues like serpents. They are also portrayed as proud individuals who hide snares and traps to capture the righteous.
The psalmist identifies the Lord as 'the strength of my salvation.' He affirms his relationship with God by stating, 'You are my God,' and relies on divine intervention to escape the hands of the wicked.
Study Note
In verse 3, the imagery of a sharpened tongue like a serpent emphasizes the destructive and deceptive nature of malicious speech.
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