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.
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