Psalms 140: Deliverance from Malicious Adversaries

Psalms 140 articulates a urgent plea for protection against sharp-tongued enemies who plot the downfall of the righteous. It documents the tactical malice of the wicked while affirming God as the ultimate shield for the poor and afflicted. This chapter serves as a spiritual defense manual for those facing slander and systemic injustice.

  1. v1-5: The Character of the Violent Man
  2. v6-8: The Prayer for Preservation
  3. v9-11: The Rebound of Wicked Intentions
  4. v12-13: The Certainty of Divine Justice

Psalms chapter 140

Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;
Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war.
They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah.
Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.
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.
I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.
O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.
Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah.
As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again.
Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.
I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor.
Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.

Trace the movement from personal threat to spiritual confidence as David seeks refuge from venomous adversaries. Begin your study with psalms 140 summary.

Notice the transition in verse 12 where the psalmist moves from his own survival to the universal principle that God maintains the cause of the afflicted. The Word Secret is Selah, a musical and liturgical pause that invites the reader to weigh the gravity of the spiritual conflict described. It anchors the soul in a moment of reflection amidst the storm of accusation. Discover the riches with psalms 140 commentary, containing expert led word study (original greek/hebrew) and passage level analysis.

Unlock the hidden psalms 140 1 meaning and summary by exploring context, analyzing original greek and hebrew words, and studying cross references of each verse.

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2 min read (239 words)