Psalms 140

King James Version (KJV) · English

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.

Commentary — not Bible text

Psalms 140:1

PSALM 140

Psa 140:1-13. The style of this Psalm resembles those of David in the former part of the book, presenting the usual complaint, prayer, and confident hope of relief.

1. evil man--Which of David's enemies is meant is not important.

Psalms 140:2-5

2-5. This character of the wicked, and the devices planned against the pious, correspond to Psa 10:7; 31:13; 58:4, &c.

Psalms 140:6

6. (Compare Psa 5:1-12; 16:2).

Psalms 140:7

7. day of battle--literally, "of armor," that is, when using it.

Psalms 140:8

8. (Compare Psa 37:12; 66:7).

lest they exalt themselves--or, they will be exalted if permitted to prosper.

Psalms 140:9

9. Contrasts his head covered by God (Psa 140:7) with theirs, or (as "head" may be used for "persons") with them, covered with the results of their wicked deeds (Psa 7:16).

Psalms 140:10

10. (Compare Psa 11:6; 120:4).

cast into the fire; into deep pits--figures for utter destruction.

Psalms 140:11

11. an evil speaker--or, "slanderer" will not be tolerated (Psa 101:7). The last clause may be translated: "an evil (man) He (God) shall hunt," &c.

Psalms 140:12

12. (Compare Psa 9:4).

Psalms 140:13

13. After all changes, the righteous shall have cause for praise. Such

shall dwell--shall sit securely, under God's protection (Psa 21:6; 41:12).

Tip: tap a verse number to see the commentary for that verse.