Psalm 140 is a powerful prayer of David, crying out for protection from wicked and treacherous people. From the opening verses we see a setting of danger and opposition, where the psalmist appeals to divine justice and intervention.
This psalm deeply touches all who face injustice, persecution or verbal attacks, showing how trust in the Lord can be the fortress of the righteous.
In this article we will delve into Psalm 140, its meanings, historical context, spiritual messages and how it can be applied in life today. We will also present a verse-by-verse explanation in the approved model to make each part of this sacred text easier to understand.
Psalm 140 – Complete
¹ Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man; protect me from the violent man,
² Who devise evil in their heart; they continually gather for war.
³ They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; the venom of vipers is under their lips. (Selah.)
⁴ Guard me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from the violent man, who have purposed to overthrow my steps.
⁵ The proud have hidden snares and cords for me; they have spread a net beside the path; they have set cunning traps for me. (Selah.)
⁶ I said to the Lord: You are my God; hear the voice of my supplications, O Lord.
⁷ O God the Lord, strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle.
⁸ Do not grant, O Lord, the desires of the wicked; do not further their evil purpose, lest they be exalted. (Selah.)
⁹ As for the head of those who surround me, 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, so that they may not rise again.
¹¹ A slanderous man shall not be established in the land; evil shall hunt the violent man until he is driven out.
¹² I know that the Lord will uphold the cause of the oppressed and the right of the needy.
¹³ Surely the righteous will praise Your name; the upright will dwell in Your presence.
Psalm 140 – Verse-by-Verse Explanation
Psalm 140:1
Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man; protect me from the violent man.
The psalmist cries for deliverance in the presence of evil and violent people. He recognizes the threat and seeks refuge in God, his protector. The request is direct and urgent, showing that evil is not an abstract idea but a tangible reality. Trust in God’s power as defender is the starting point of the entire prayer.
Psalm 140:2
Who devise evil in their heart; they continually gather for war.
David describes that the wickedness of these people is not casual; it is born in the heart and constantly nurtured. They live in conflict, always planning destruction. The phrase “gather for war” shows that evil gains strength in collective, malicious intent. It warns how sin can manifest corporately and strategically.
Psalm 140:3
They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; the venom of vipers is under their lips. (Selah.)
David uses vivid imagery to describe malicious speech. Comparing the tongue to a serpent’s shows the hidden danger of deceitful words. Speech can be as deadly as poison. This metaphor highlights how verbal attacks, slander and defamation are cruel weapons, requiring divine protection to shield the righteous.
Psalm 140:4
Guard me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from the violent man, who have purposed to overthrow my steps.
Again the psalmist repeats his plea for protection, now centered on the enemies’ concrete actions. They do not merely wish harm; they act to destabilize the righteous. The verb “overthrow” suggests a deliberate attempt to derail David’s path, interfering with his journey through traps and provocations.
Psalm 140:5
The proud have hidden snares and cords for me; they have spread a net beside the path; they have set cunning traps for me. (Selah.)
Here he reveals that his enemies are crafty and persistent. They use covert tactics—nets and cords—to catch and topple. These snares are laid along the way, showing danger can be disguised. The “cunning traps” tighten as the victim moves, demanding constant vigilance.
Psalm 140:6
I said to the Lord: You are my God; hear the voice of my supplications, O Lord.
Amid the siege of evil, David reaffirms his covenant with God. By calling the Lord “my God,” he shows intimacy and dependence. Asking God to hear his pleas expresses total confidence that only the Lord can effectively intervene against the threats.
Psalm 140:7
O God the Lord, strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle.
David acknowledges God as his protection in conflict. “Strength of my salvation” means the Lord is a constant safe shelter. Covering the head in battle is a figure showing God shields where vulnerability is greatest, preventing the enemy from striking mind and decisions.
Psalm 140:8
Do not grant, O Lord, the desires of the wicked; do not further their evil purpose, lest they be exalted. (Selah.)
This is a direct plea that the plots of the wicked fail. David understands that if the perverse succeed, they will become even more arrogant and dangerous. He cries for God to frustrate evil intentions before they gain strength—an act of spiritual resistance against the exaltation of wickedness.
Psalm 140:9
As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
The psalmist asks that the enemies’ own malice turn back upon them. “Head” symbolizes leadership and control; he asks that they be covered by the wicked words they uttered. It is an appeal for divine justice, where the evil committed becomes the instrument of the evildoer’s downfall.
Psalm 140:10
Let burning coals fall upon them; let them be cast into the fire, into deep pits, so that they may not rise again.
David uses strong language to express his plea for judgment. The coals and fire represent divine punishment, while “deep pits” speak of a definitive end. Wanting them not to rise again shows a desire that evil never again threaten the righteous—a cry for lasting deliverance.
Psalm 140:11
A slanderous man shall not be established in the land; evil shall hunt the violent man until he is driven out.
This verse reinforces that evil will not endure. Those who use their tongue destructively will lose standing, and violence will pursue the violent until they are banished. “Driven out” represents exclusion from community, safety and blessing. God does not allow wickedness to settle permanently.
Psalm 140:12
I know that the Lord will uphold the cause of the oppressed and the right of the needy.
The psalmist affirms confidence in divine justice. He says “I know,” not “I hope,” showing certainty that God acts for the wronged. The Lord actively defends those who suffer persecution and have no human advocate. He preserves the rights of all who trust Him.
Psalm 140:13
Surely the righteous will praise Your name; the upright will dwell in Your presence.
The psalm ends with hope and praise. The righteous are not only protected but also receive the privilege of living in God’s presence. Dwelling with the Divine is the pinnacle of spiritual reward, and praise flows naturally in gratitude for the Lord’s faithfulness and protection.
The Context of Psalm 140
Psalm 140 is attributed to King David, who throughout his life faced many enemies, both visible and hidden. The text is a cry for help amid human malice and cruelty. The psalmist describes the plots of the wicked, the evil concealed beneath words and intentions, and the need for God to act justly.
The setting may recall periods when David was pursued by Saul or betrayed within his own people. Whatever the precise moment, Psalm 140 presents universal themes: evil planned in secret, lies used as weapons and the hope of divine deliverance.
Structure of Psalm 140
Psalm 140 follows the pattern of a direct plea and can be divided into three main parts:
- The plea for deliverance from violent men
- The exposure of wickedness and hidden traps
- Trust in God’s justice and the protection of the righteous
This arrangement helps us grasp the emotional flow of the text: from initial anguish to confident rest in divine action.
Main Themes in Psalm 140
The Danger of Poisonous Words
One of the most striking aspects of Psalm 140 is its focus on malicious speech. The psalmist speaks of people whose “tongues are as sharp as a serpent’s” and who have “asp’s poison” on their lips, highlighting the destructive power of ill-intentioned words.
In ancient and modern times, words can be instruments of pain. Intrigue, slander and lies are subtle yet damaging weapons. The psalm teaches us to seek protection not only from physical acts but also from verbal and moral attacks.
The Snare of the Unjust
The psalmist reports that his enemies “set traps” and “spread nets along the path.” These images remind us of schemes prepared deliberately and silently to make someone stumble.
Psalm 140 reminds us that some people plot evil in secret. In response, the psalmist asks God to nullify these malicious plans and frustrate the actions of the wicked.
God’s Justice
Even in the face of human injustice, Psalm 140 ends on a note of hope and security. The psalmist declares that God will do justice for the needy and protect the upright. This confidence is the foundation of faith.
The message is clear: even if evil seems to triumph for a while, God sees all things. He does not abandon His children and intervenes at the right time, bringing down the proud and lifting up the humble.
Practical Applications of Psalm 140
Facing Slander and Persecution
Psalm 140 is an excellent prayer for anyone suffering unjust persecution. Whether at work, in the family or any sphere of life, when false words are raised or plots are made against us, this passage reminds us that God searches hearts and hears sincere prayers.
Seeking Spiritual Discernment
The reference to traps can also be read as a warning to discern the intentions behind actions and words. Psalm 140 encourages believers to stay alert, vigilant and connected to God so as not to fall into the nets of wickedness.
Cultivating Trust in Difficult Times
Even amid threats, the psalmist is sure God will sustain him. This teaches us to keep faith alive when everything seems against us. Psalm 140 urges us not to yield to fear but to pray in faith and wait for God’s action.
The Relevance of Psalm 140 Today
Psalm 140 remains deeply relevant today. We live in times where violence is not only physical but also emotional, moral and verbal. Social networks, for example, have become arenas of rash judgments, insults and manipulation.
This psalm invites every reader to seek refuge in God even when everything seems contrary. It also inspires us to keep our integrity when we are targets of injustice. God’s justice never fails.
Verses Similar to Psalm 140
Besides Psalm 140, other biblical passages speak of God’s justice against the wicked and His protection of the righteous. Among them are:
- Psalm 37: contrasts the righteous and the wicked and promises eternal reward to those who trust the Lord.
- Psalm 91: reveals God as shelter and refuge in danger.
- Psalm 64: also addresses malicious words and the snares of the wicked.
Frequently Asked Questions about Psalm 140
What is the main theme of Psalm 140?
The main theme is a cry for deliverance from human wickedness and the certainty that God will bring justice in His timing.
Is Psalm 140 suitable for times of anguish?
Yes. It is especially helpful when someone feels unjustly treated, persecuted or targeted by false words.
How can I apply Psalm 140 in my life?
The best way is to pray it sincerely before God, recognizing that He is just and able to protect us from unseen attacks.
Can I pray Psalm 140 even if I don’t know who my enemies are?
Yes. Often attacks are spiritual or carried out covertly. Psalm 140 specifically covers situations where we do not know the exact source of evil.
Does Psalm 140 speak about revenge?
Not in a human sense. It calls for divine justice, which is always perfect and unfailing. The psalmist’s desire is that evil should not prevail.
Conclusion
Psalm 140 is an invitation to sincere prayer in times of injustice. It shows us that before powerful or invisible enemies, the best defense is to trust God. The psalmist does not hide his fear but places everything in the Lord’s hands.
Meditating on this psalm encourages readers to abandon thoughts of revenge and trust divine justice. May every word of this sacred text bring comfort, discernment and peace to your heart.
READ ALSO:
- Psalm 139: God’s Presence in Every Detail of Life
- Psalm 138: A Hymn of Gratitude and Trust
- Psalm 137: A Song of Lament and Hope in Exile
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