Psalm 140: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 140 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The psalmist asks Yahweh to deliver him from the evil and violent men who plot mischief in their hearts (vv. 1-2). These adversaries sharpen their words like serpents, hiding dangers in their speech (v.

Key verse

“Yahweh, keep me from the hands of the wicked. Preserve me from the violent men who have determined to trip my feet.”
Psalms 140:4 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 140:1–2 Plea for Deliverance from Evil
Psalm 140:3–5 Description of the Adversaries
Psalm 140:6–8 Declaration of Trust
Psalm 140:9–11 Prayers for Justice
Psalm 140:12–13 Affirmation of Righteousness and Justice

Discussion questions

In v1, who is David asking to deliver him from the evil man?
What does David describe as 'the cords of a net' in v5?
In v8, why does David ask Yahweh not to grant the 'desires of the wicked'?
In v10, what does David mean by asking for 'burning coals' to fall on his adversaries?
When have you felt overwhelmed by 'the violent man' as described in v1?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 140: Psalm 33, Psalm 18, Psalm 31.

Before next time: read Psalm 141.