The Lord Will

Psalms

Psalm 140

KJV

1

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

Psalm 140 asks God for rescue from violent and deceitful people, describes poisonous speech and hidden traps, appeals for protection and justice, and closes with confidence that God defends the afflicted and poor.

Setting and context

A Davidic prayer of lament and protection. Its severe judgment language is addressed to God and must not be turned into permission for private revenge or violence.

Themes

Protection from violent scheming · Poisonous speech · Hidden traps · Prayer for protection · Justice entrusted to God · God defends the afflicted

Reflection

Seek practical safety and justice without retaliatory violence, and stand with people harmed by oppression.

Reading notes

Its judgment language is entrusted to God and does not authorize private revenge, vigilantism, or harm.

Key passages

Psalm 140:1: Prayer for rescue from violent people. Psalm 140:7: God is named as the strength of salvation. Psalm 140:12–13: God upholds the afflicted and the righteous give thanks.

Questions readers ask

Does Psalm 140 authorize revenge? No. It gives violent fear and judgment to God rather than authorizing private retaliation.