“Rescue me, Lord, from evil people;
Protect me from violent men
Who devise evil things in their hearts;
They continually stir up wars.”

“They sharpen their tongues like a snake;
The venom of a viper is under their lips.
Selah.”

“Keep me, Lord, from the hands of the wicked;
Protect me from violent men
Who intend to trip up my steps.
The proud have hidden a trap for me and cords;
They have spread a net at the roadside;
They have set snares for me.
Selah.”

“I said to the Lord, ‘You are my God;
Listen, Lord, to the sound of my pleadings.
God the Lord, the strength of my salvation,
You have covered my head on the day of battle.’”

“Do not grant, Lord, the desires of the wicked;
Do not bring about their evil plan,
Lest they be exalted.
Selah.”

“As for the head of those who surround me,
May the harm of their lips cover them.
May burning coals fall upon them;
May they be cast into the fire,
Into deep pits from which they cannot rise.”

“May a slanderer not endure on the earth;
May evil hunt a violent man violently.”

“I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted,
And justice for the poor.
Surely the righteous will give thanks to Your name;
The upright will dwell in Your presence.”

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Context and Meaning

Psalm 140, attributed to David, is a cry for deliverance from violent and deceitful enemies. It vividly describes the wicked as schemers, liars, and violent men who set traps for the righteous.

This psalm is both a prayer for protection and a declaration of trust in God’s justice. Despite the danger surrounding him, David expresses confidence that the Lord will defend the afflicted and uphold righteousness.

Key Themes:

1. Prayer for Deliverance: A plea for rescue from evil and violent people (v. 1–2).
2. The Deceitful and Destructive Tongue: Wicked words are compared to venom (v. 3).
3. Protection from Traps: The psalmist seeks safety from schemes of the proud (v. 4–5).
4. God as Defender and Strength: The Lord shields and sustains the righteous (v. 6–7).
5. Judgment on the Wicked: The psalmist calls for divine justice (v. 8–11).
6. God’s Vindication of the Oppressed: The Lord maintains the cause of the afflicted (v. 12–13).

Reflection and Impact

Psalm 140 reminds us that God is the defender of His people against wickedness and violence:

• God protects from evil people – “Rescue me from evil men” (v. 1) reflects Matthew 6:13: deliver us from evil.
• The tongue can be deadly – “They sharpen their tongues like a snake” (v. 3) echoes James 3:8: the tongue is a restless evil full of deadly poison.
• God shields His people in battle – “You have covered my head on the day of battle” (v. 7) connects with Ephesians 6:17: the helmet of salvation protects the believer.
• God’s justice prevails over evil – “The Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted” (v. 12) parallels Psalm 9:4: You have maintained my just cause; You sat on the throne judging righteously.
• The righteous will dwell in His presence – “The upright will dwell before You” (v. 13) aligns with Matthew 5:8: blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Application

• Pray for God’s Protection: Trust Him to guard you from evil people and influences.
• Beware of the Power of Words: Use your speech to bless, not harm.
• Rest in God’s Defense: He covers and strengthens you in the battles of life.
• Trust in God’s Justice: The Lord will not allow evil to triumph forever.
• Live Uprightly Before Him: Walk in righteousness and dwell in His presence.

Closing Thought

Even in a world filled with deceit, violence, and traps, the Lord protects, defends, and sustains His people. The righteous can rest in His justice and presence.
“The Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the poor.”