1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;
2 Which imagine mischiefs in [their] heart; continually are they gathered together [for] war.
3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders’ poison [is] under their lips. Selah.
4 Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.
5 The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah.
6 I said unto the LORD, Thou [art] my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.
7 O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.
8 Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; [lest] they exalt themselves. Selah.
9 [As for] the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
10 Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again.
11 Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow [him].
12 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, [and] the right of the poor.
13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.
Overview of Psalm 140
Psalm 140 is a prayer for deliverance from evil and a plea for justice against the wicked. It reflects the deep concern of the psalmist regarding the threats posed by those who engage in malicious behavior. The chapter emphasizes the importance of divine protection and the ultimate triumph of righteousness over evil.
Structure of Psalm 140
The chapter can be divided into several key sections:
- Invocation for Help (Verses 1-2)
The psalmist begins by calling upon the Lord for protection from violent individuals.
- Description of the Wicked (Verses 3-5)
Here, the psalmist describes the characteristics and intentions of the wicked, highlighting their harmful speech and actions.
- Prayer for Justice (Verses 6-8)
The psalmist expresses confidence in God’s ability to save and seeks justice against the wicked.
- Assurance of Deliverance (Verses 9-11)
The psalm concludes with a declaration of faith in God’s protection and the fate of the wicked.
Thematic Elements
- Divine Protection
The psalmist emphasizes reliance on God for safety from those who wish to do harm.
- Justice and Retribution
There is a strong theme of seeking justice against evildoers, with a belief in divine retribution.
- Contrast Between the Righteous and the Wicked
The psalm draws a clear line between the behaviors of the righteous and the wicked, underscoring moral and ethical distinctions.
- Faith in God’s Sovereignty
The psalmist’s trust in God’s ultimate authority and power is a central theme, providing comfort in times of distress.
Detailed Analysis of Key Verses
Verses 1-2: Invocation for Help
The psalmist opens with a heartfelt plea for God’s assistance, recognizing the peril posed by violent individuals. This sets a tone of urgency and desperation, establishing the context for the ensuing prayer.
Verses 3-5: Description of the Wicked
In these verses, the psalmist vividly describes the malicious nature of the wicked, focusing on their deceitful words and intentions. The imagery of “sharp tongues” and “coals of fire” illustrates the destructive power of their speech, revealing the threat they pose to the innocent.
Verses 6-8: Prayer for Justice
The psalmist expresses confidence in God’s ability to deliver justice. By invoking God’s name, the psalmist reaffirms faith in divine intervention. This section highlights the importance of maintaining faith even in the face of adversity.
Verses 9-11: Assurance of Deliverance
The concluding verses provide a powerful affirmation of faith. The psalmist asserts that the wicked will not prevail, emphasizing the belief in God’s ultimate justice. The declaration of the fate of the wicked serves as a reminder of the moral order established by God.
Conclusion
Psalm 140 serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by the righteous in a world filled with evil. Through its themes of divine protection, justice, and faith, it encourages believers to seek refuge in God amidst trials and to trust in His ultimate authority to deliver justice. The psalmist’s earnest plea resonates with anyone facing adversity, reinforcing the belief that God is a protector and a judge of the wicked.
