Psalms 140
Psalm 140 is a prayer of David, asking for God’s protection from the schemes and violence of the wicked. Following a typical lament structure, the psalmist describes the evil and brutality of those who seek to harm him, as well as their speech and deceptive actions, and brings his request to God.
1verseFor the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David. Deliver me, LORD, from evil men. Preserve me from violent men:
2versethose who devise mischief in their hearts. They continually gather themselves together for war.
3verseThey have sharpened their tongues like a serpent. Viper’s poison is under their lips. Selah.
4verseLORD, keep me from the hands of the wicked. Preserve me from the violent men who have determined to trip my feet.
5verseThe 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.
6verseI said to the LORD, “You are my God.” Listen to the cry of my petitions, LORD.
7verseLORD, the Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.
8verseLORD, don’t grant the desires of the wicked. Don’t let their evil plans succeed, or they will become proud. Selah.
9verseAs for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
10verseLet burning coals fall on them. Let them be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, from where they never rise.
11verseAn evil speaker won’t be established in the earth. Evil will hunt the violent man to overthrow him.
12verseI know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the needy.
13verseSurely the righteous will give thanks to your name. The upright will dwell in your presence.
Structure and Flow
- Verses 1-3: The psalmist brings before God the evil men and violent people who are targeting him and asks for protection. They inflict harm with their words and threaten the psalmist with deceitful talk and actions.
- Verses 4-5: The description of the wicked’ traps and plots continues. The psalmist asks to be kept safe from these dangers.
- Verses 6-8: The psalmist prays that God would hear his cry and grant help. He confesses God as “God of salvation” and expresses personal trust.
- Verses 9-11: The psalmist asks that the evil the wicked have devised would return upon them—that they would fall into their own traps and be judged. This prayer is not for revenge, but for a righteous judgment.
- Verses 12-13: In the final verses, the song ends with a proclamation that the righteous will ultimately be established by God, that the righteous will give thanks to God, and that they will dwell with the Lord.
Overall Meaning
This psalm shows an attitude of fleeing to God in the face of life’s injustice, danger, and wrongdoing. While confronting the reality of suffering as it is, the psalmist confesses that God alone is the ultimate refuge and the one who establishes justice. Through this, the psalmist is led to reflect that in any situation, we must place our trust and hope in God.
Points for Reflection
- When you are threatened or facing an unjust situation, look to see who or what you are relying on.
- Let’s reflect on how important it is to honestly bring to God the difficulties and feelings you are experiencing, and to offer prayers asking for God’s protection and justice.
- Rather than focusing only on the wicked and the unjust circumstances themselves, pray that you may be able to look to God’s good will that establishes justice.
Apply to Yourself
- Among the problems I face today, pour out my heart to God and seek help sincerely.
- When I have been hurt or treated unjustly by others, let me remember not to repay with retaliation or fall into despair, but to recognize that God becomes my protector.
- Apply this so that, with trust that God will ultimately establish the righteous and cause the wicked to be trapped by their own evil, you can live this day.
