Psalms 140
Read Psalms 140 (WEB)+
1Deliver me, Yahweh, from the evil man. Preserve me from the violent man; 2those who devise mischief in their hearts. They continually gather themselves together for war. 3They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent. Viper’s poison is under their lips. Selah. 4Yahweh, keep me from the hands of the wicked. Preserve me from the violent men who have determined to trip my feet. 5The proud have hidden a snare for me, they have spread the cords of a net by the path. They have set traps for me. Selah. 6I said to Yahweh, “You are my God.” Listen to the cry of my petitions, Yahweh. 7Yahweh, the Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle. 8Yahweh, don’t grant the desires of the wicked. Don’t let their evil plans succeed, or they will become proud. Selah. 9As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their own lips cover them. 10Let burning coals fall on them. Let them be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, from where they never rise. 11An evil speaker won’t be established in the earth. Evil will hunt the violent man to overthrow him. 12I know that Yahweh will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the needy. 13Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name. The upright will dwell in your presence.
World English Bible (public domain)
“"Guard me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have planned to trip up my feet."”
Psalms 140:4
Summary
Psalms chapter 140 is a prayer of David, seeking protection from the wicked and violent individuals who threaten him. The psalm opens with a plea for deliverance from those who devise evil plans and stir up wars against the innocent. David describes the malicious intent of his adversaries, who sharpen their tongues like serpents and have venom beneath their lips. In his despair, David calls upon the Lord as his strong deliverer and shield in the day of battle. The psalm emphasizes a deep trust in God to rise against the wicked and not let the violent achieve their plans. David prays for protection, requesting that those who seek to harm him fall into their own traps and that the evil they intend should recoil upon them. As he pours out his worries before God, David looks to Him for justice and security, confident that the Lord will uphold the cause of the afflicted and vindicate the righteous. Theological significance arises from David's unwavering reliance on God's protection amid adversity. The psalm underscores God’s role as a defender of the defenseless, affirming that He delights in delivering the just and bringing down the wicked. The psalm reassures believers that despite the presence of evil, God remains sovereign and just, promising security to those who trust in Him.
Go deeper
Ask the AI about Psalms 140
Bring your question about the chapter, the key verse, or how this passage fits the rest of Scripture.
Daily Scripture study
Get a short devotional by email
One passage, one reflection, and one practical question for the day.
Subscribe free and instantly get “Depth Without Seminary” — our step-by-step study guide (PDF).
One short email each morning. Unsubscribe anytime.
Studying Psalms with a print Bible beside you? See our picks for the best study Bibles for women.
Chapter outline
How Psalms 140 unfolds
Psalm 140:1–2 Plea for Deliverance from Evil
David addresses Yahweh, asking for deliverance from evil and violent men who plot mischief against him.
Psalm 140:3–5 Description of the Adversaries
David characterizes his enemies as deadly, comparing their words to serpent's venom, and describes their traps laid for him.
Psalm 140:6–8 Declaration of Trust
In his prayer, David acknowledges Yahweh as his God, expressing confidence that the Lord will not fulfill the wicked's desires.
Psalm 140:9–11 Prayers for Justice
David requests that the wicked be punished by their own words, affirming that evil will ultimately bring ruin upon them.
Psalm 140:12–13 Affirmation of Righteousness and Justice
David concludes with assurance that Yahweh will uphold justice for the needy, and the righteous will dwell in His presence.
Key verses
Psalms 140:4Psalms 140:4 encapsulates the essence of the psalm, expressing David's urgent need for divine protection against those who wish to harm him.
Main themes in Psalms 140
Divine Protection
Divine protection is a central theme in Psalm 140, particularly as David petitions Yahweh for safety from the wicked in verses 1-4. The psalm illustrates how David relies on God's strength to shield him from his adversaries. This reliance emphasizes that God's protection is essential for those facing danger and injustice.
Justice and Righteousness
Justice and righteousness are highlighted in verses 12-13, where David expresses confidence that Yahweh will uphold the cause of the afflicted. The psalm develops this theme by contrasting the fate of the wicked with the safety of the righteous. It reflects a deep conviction that God will ultimately deliver justice.
God as Deliverer
God as Deliverer is evident throughout Psalm 140, particularly in David's urgent pleas for assistance found in verses 1-7. In these verses, David expresses his deep reliance on God, recognizing that only divine intervention can save him from the violence and malice of his enemies. This theme underscores the belief that God is not passive but actively engages in the lives of those who earnestly seek His help, offering a source of hope and assurance.
Faith Amid Adversity
Faith amid adversity permeates Psalm 140, as David confronts significant threats yet consistently turns to God in heartfelt prayer. His declarations of trust, especially in the face of danger, reveal a profound conviction in Yahweh's protection and faithfulness. This theme highlights the strength that faith can provide during challenging situations, encouraging believers to maintain their trust in God even when confronted with trials and tribulations.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Psalms 140
- Psalm 33Both psalms emphasize God's sovereignty and His role in delivering the righteous from trouble.
- Psalm 18This psalm echoes themes of divine rescue, mirroring David's plea for protection against enemies.
- Psalm 31The connection lies in the themes of trust and deliverance amidst distress, as both psalms affirm reliance on God.
- James 3James connects with the imagery of the tongue as a source of evil, reflecting the warning against malicious speech.
- Psalm 10Similar themes of the plight of the afflicted and God's eventual justice appear in both psalms.
- Psalm 35This psalm develops the idea of seeking justice against adversaries, paralleling David's cry for protection and vindication.
Study questions
Questions for studying Psalms 140
- Who does David ask for protection from in this psalm?
- What imagery does David use to describe his enemies?
- How does David express his trust in God's protection?
- What consequences does David wish upon the wicked?
- How does the psalm reflect David's understanding of justice?
- What does the term 'Selah' signify in this context?
- How does this psalm connect to the broader themes of the Psalms?
Psalms 140: frequently asked questions
What is Psalms 140 about?+
What is the key verse in Psalms 140?+
What are the main themes of Psalms 140?+
Related chapters