Psalms 140

¹To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;

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.

²Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war.

³They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah.

⁴Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.

⁵The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah.

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

⁶I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.

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

⁷O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.

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

⁸Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah.

8. (Compare Psa 37:12; 66:7). lest they exalt themselves--or, they will be exalted if permitted to prosper.

⁹As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

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).

¹⁰Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again.

10. (Compare Psa 11:6; 120:4). cast into the fire; into deep pits--figures for utter destruction.

¹¹Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.

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.

¹²I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor.

12. (Compare Psa 9:4).

¹³Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.

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).