1 Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men;
preserve me from violent men,
2 who plan evil things in their heart
and stir up wars continually.
3 They make their tongue sharp as a serpent’s,
and under their lips is the venom of asps.
4 Guard me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have planned to trip up my feet.
5 The arrogant have hidden a trap for me,
and with cords they have spread a net;
beside the way they have set snares for me.
6 I say to the Lord, You are my God; give ear to the voice of my pleas for mercy, O Lord!
7 O Lord, my Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.
8 Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked;
do not further their evil plot, or they will be exalted!
9 As for the head of those who surround me,
let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them!
10 Let burning coals fall upon them!
Let them be cast into fire,
into miry pits, no more to rise!
11 Let not the slanderer be established in the land; let evil hunt down the violent man speedily.
12 I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted,
and will execute justice for the needy.
13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name; the upright shall dwell in your presence.
14 Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by safely.
The True Meaning of Psalms 140
The Book of Psalms is a collection of sacred songs and prayers attributed to King David, the second king of ancient Israel. Psalm 140 is a plea for protection from wicked and violent individuals who seek to harm the psalmist. The author in this passage expresses his trust in God’s ability to deliver him from the schemes of his enemies.
The psalmist’s cry for help echoes the sentiments expressed in other Psalms, such as Psalm 7, where the author seeks refuge from those who pursue him (Psalm 7:1). The imagery of being trapped by the “snares” and “nets” of the wicked (Psalm 140:5) is a common theme in the Psalms, reflecting the psalmist’s sense of vulnerability and the need for divine intervention. The author expresses confidence that God will ultimately prevail over the forces of evil as the psalm unfolds. This theme of divine protection and justice is a recurring motif throughout the Book of Psalms, as the psalmist repeatedly turns to God for refuge and deliverance (Psalm 91:1-2). The psalm concludes with a declaration of the psalmist’s trust in God’s ability to defend the cause of the needy and uphold the rights of the poor (Psalm 140:12).
Psalms 140:1-3
The psalmist in Psalms 140:1-3 cries out to the Lord for deliverance from evil and violent enemies. The psalm begins with a plea for God to rescue the speaker from those who are intent on causing harm. This vividly reflects the struggles and anxieties of the human experience, that feeling of being surrounded by adversaries who seek to bring destruction and chaos into our lives. This sentiment is something many can relate to, as we face various forms of opposition or danger throughout our lives.
The psalmist describes these enemies as being cunning in their plans and fierce in their determination to cause harm. This sense of being attacked on all sides, both mentally and physically, is a common theme in the Old Testament. It speaks to the reality of living in a fallen world where evil forces are at work, seeking to destroy the righteous. This also reflects the spiritual battles we face as Christians, as we contend not just against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12).
The psalmist further describes the wicked as sharpening their tongues like serpents, with poison under their lips. This imagery is powerful and poignant, painting a picture of the deceit and malice that often accompany those who seek to harm others. The tongue is a small member but can cause great destruction (James 3:5-8), and here it is likened to a serpent’s fangs, filled with venom. This serves as a reminder of the power of words and the importance of using them wisely and with kindness. The psalmist in these verses shows a deep reliance on God as the ultimate source of protection and deliverance. Despite the threats and dangers surrounding them, the speaker turns to the Lord in prayer, seeking His intervention and salvation. This act of turning to God in the midst of trouble is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, highlighting the importance of trust and faith in God’s sovereignty and power to overcome any adversity. Psalm 46:1 declares, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalms 140:1-3 captures the raw emotion and urgent plea of someone facing imminent danger and persecution. It serves as a poignant reminder of the reality of evil in the world and the need for God’s protection and intervention in the face of adversity. This psalm encourages us to turn to God in times of trouble, trusting in His faithfulness and strength to deliver us from our enemies and grant us peace and security amidst the storms of life.
Psalms 140:4-5
The psalmist in Psalms 140:4-5 clearly cries out for help. Let’s break it down:
“Protect me, Lord, from the hands of the wicked; keep me safe from the violent. The psalmist in this first section beseeches the Lord for protection from the wicked and violent individuals around him. This plea reflects the universal human experience of facing threats and harm from those who seek to cause destruction or harm. It also highlights the psalmist’s deep trust in God as the ultimate protector and refuge in times of trouble. This cry for protection reinforces the idea found throughout the Bible that God is a shield and fortress for those who put their trust in Him. The psalmist acknowledges the presence of evil in the world and seeks divine intervention to guard against it, showing dependence on God for safety and security.
The psalmist’s plea for protection resonates with many other verses in the Bible where individuals cry out for God’s shelter and deliverance from their enemies. “It says in Psalms 91:4 that he will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”” This imagery of God providing refuge and protection is a recurring theme in the Psalms and serves to reassure believers that they are not alone in their struggles against the forces of evil.
The psalmist’s prayer for protection also serves as a reminder of the constant spiritual battle between good and evil. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of God’s people facing persecution and oppression from the wicked. The story of David and King Saul is a poignant example of this struggle, where David frequently sought God’s protection from Saul’s relentless pursuit. This narrative reinforces the importance of relying on God’s strength in times of adversity and trusting in His deliverance from the hands of the wicked. The heartfelt plea of the psalmist for God’s protection from the wicked and violent is captured in Psalms 140:4-5. This passage underscores the timeless message of turning to God as our ultimate source of refuge and strength in the face of adversity. Just as the psalmist sought God’s shelter from harm, believers today can find comfort and assurance in knowing that God is their defender and protector in times of trouble.
Psalms 140:6-8
The psalmist in Psalms 140:6-8 cries out powerfully for help as he faces adversaries and enemies who scheme to cause him harm. Identify the subject: “Let’s”
Rewritten sentence: Let’s break down this into sections and delve into the deeper meaning of each part.
“O Lord, I say unto thee, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O Lord.” Here, the psalmist affirms his unwavering faith in God, declaring that the Lord is indeed his God. This line highlights the psalmist’s deep connection and relationship with God, seeking His attention and intervention in his time of need. It demonstrates a profound trust in God’s ability to hear prayers and respond to supplications. This verse conveys the timeless message of turning to God in times of trouble, placing complete trust in Him to deliver us from our enemies and adversities. It encourages believers to rely on God’s strength and guidance in the face of challenges, knowing that He is faithful to listen and act on behalf of His people.
“O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.” Here, the psalmist acknowledges God as the source of his strength and deliverance. The imagery of God covering the psalmist’s head in the day of battle symbolizes divine protection and preservation amidst the turmoil and conflicts faced by the psalmist. This verse reflects the biblical theme of God being a fortress and stronghold for those who trust in Him. Throughout the Bible, we see instances of God protecting His people in the midst of battles and trials, such as the story of David facing Goliath (1 Samuel 17) or the Israelites crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 14). This verse serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness to His followers, providing them with the strength and shelter they need to overcome obstacles and enemies.
“Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah. The psalmist in this final section prays for God’s intervention against the wicked plans of his enemies. He implores God not to grant their desires or allow their evil schemes to succeed, recognizing the danger of their pride and arrogance should they prevail. The term “Selah” at the end of this verse signifies a pause for reflection, emphasizing the gravity of the psalmist’s plea and the importance of considering the implications of God’s response. This verse underscores the biblical principle that the wicked may scheme and plot, but ultimately, their plans will be thwarted by the righteous judgment of God. It aligns with other verses in the Bible that speak about God’s justice and protection over His people, such as Psalm 37:12-15, which assures believers that the Lord will uphold them in the face of the wicked. Psalms 140:6-8 encapsulates a heartfelt prayer for divine intervention and protection against enemies, proclaiming God as the source of strength and salvation. The psalmist’s plea reflects a deep trust in God’s providence and justice, calling upon Him to thwart the plans of the wicked and exalt His righteous name. This passage resonates with the timeless message of seeking refuge in God during times of trouble, knowing that He is faithful to hear our prayers and deliver us from evil.
Psalms 140:9-11
The verses in Psalms 140:9-11 can be broken down into three key sections. The evil of their lips will cover the head of those who surround me. “Let burning coals fall upon them;
Let them be cast into the fire,
Into deep pits, that they rise not up again.”
3. “Let not a slanderer be established in the earth;
Let evil hunt the violent man to overthrow him. The psalmist in the first section prays for justice against those who surround him with evil intentions, specifically referencing their speech – “the evil of their lips.”” This shows the power of words and the harm they can cause. The psalmist is invoking divine justice to allow the consequences of their own words to cover them. This serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of speaking truth and kindness, as well as a reminder that God sees and knows all, and ultimately justice will prevail.
Moving to the second section, the imagery shifts to a more intense form of punishment with burning coals falling upon them and being cast into the fire and deep pits. Fire in the Bible is often associated with purification, judgment, or the presence of God. This imagery conveys the severity of the psalmist’s plea for God’s judgment upon those who seek to harm him. It reflects the psalmist’s deep desire for God to intervene and bring about justice in a dramatic and final way.
Lastly, the third section calls for the downfall of a slanderer and the hunt for the violent man to overthrow him. The psalmist is pleading for divine intervention to prevent the establishment of those who spread lies and perpetrate violence. This reinforces the theme of justice prevailing and the consequences that await those who engage in wicked acts. The concept of evil hunting the violent man reflects the Biblical principle of reaping what you sow, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life and the inevitability of facing the consequences of one’s actions. The verses in Psalms 140 highlight the psalmist’s plea for protection from enemies and his unwavering trust in God’s judgment and justice. It serves as a reminder of the psalmist’s faith in God’s righteousness and his belief that God will ultimately deliver him from his adversaries. The powerful imagery used in these verses underscores the psalmist’s desperation for God’s intervention and the repercussions that await those who plot evil. These verses emphasize the timeless message of God’s sovereignty, justice, and protection for those who place their trust in Him.
Psalms 140:12-13
The psalmist in Psalm 140:12-13 cries out to the Lord for divine intervention and victory over their enemies. Let’s break down this powerful passage into its important sections to unravel its deeper meanings.
“The Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted and execute justice for the needy.” Here, the psalmist acknowledges the Lord’s role as a defender of the oppressed and protector of the vulnerable. This verse echoes a central theme throughout the Bible – God’s heart for justice and His special care for those who are marginalized or mistreated in society. We see this compassion for the downtrodden in verses like Psalm 9:9, “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble,” and in the teachings of Jesus, who advocated for the poor, the outcast, and the marginalized.
“Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; The upright shall dwell in Your presence.” This verse contrasts the fate of the righteous with that of their enemies. The psalmist anticipates a future where the righteous will have cause to praise God for His deliverance and find security in His presence. This highlights the biblical principle that righteousness and faithfulness are rewarded by God. Throughout the Bible, we are reminded that those who trust in the Lord will experience His faithfulness and dwell in His presence for eternity. God, a just and compassionate God, defends the cause of the afflicted and upholds the righteous, reminding us of the timeless truth as we reflect on Psalm 140:12-13. It serves as a source of comfort and hope for believers, assuring them that God sees their suffering, hears their cries for help, and will ultimately bring justice and vindication. The overarching message of these verses aligns with God’s consistent character throughout the Bible – as a loving Father who cares for His children and intervenes on behalf of those who seek Him.
After Psalms 140
The psalmist cried out to the Lord, pleading for protection from the wicked who sought to harm him. He knew that the Lord was his refuge, his strength, and his shield. The psalmist expresses his confidence in the Lord’s ability to deliver him from the schemes of the ungodly as the chapter draws to a close.
Yet, the battle is not over. The forces of evil continue to lurk in the shadows, waiting to strike. The psalmist’s faith will be tested further in the next chapter as he faces new challenges and threats. But we can be assured that the Lord, who has been his help in times past, will not abandon him now. Let us trust in the Lord’s unfailing love and protection by following the psalmist’s example and taking courage.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.