Psalms 140

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David.

Deliver me, LORD, from evil men. Preserve me from violent men:

those who devise mischief in their hearts. They continually gather themselves together for war.

They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent. Viper’s poison is under their lips. Selah.

LORD, keep me from the hands of the wicked. Preserve me from the violent men who have determined to trip my feet.

The proud have hidden a snare for me, they have spread the cords of a net by the path. They have set traps for me. Selah.

I said to the LORD, “You are my God.” Listen to the cry of my petitions, LORD.

LORD, the Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.

LORD, don’t grant the desires of the wicked. Don’t let their evil plans succeed, or they will become proud. Selah.

As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

Let burning coals fall on them. Let them be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, from where they never rise.

An evil speaker won’t be established in the earth. Evil will hunt the violent man to overthrow him.

I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the needy.

Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name. The upright will dwell in your presence.

Chapter overviewAI-generated

Overview.
This chapter is a prayer for deliverance from malicious and violent adversaries who plot harm with cunning words and hidden traps. The psalmist cries out to the Lord for protection, affirming His power and justice, and expressing confidence that the wicked will be undone by their own schemes while the righteous find refuge in God's presence.

Flow.

The psalm opens with urgent pleas for rescue from evil and violent men who conspire constantly and prepare for conflict (vv. 1–2).
It details the danger: the enemies use venomous speech and set concealed snares along the psalmist’s path (vv. 3–5).
The tone shifts to personal devotion and trust as the psalmist declares God as Lord and strength, recalling His past faithfulness (vv. 6–7), then calls for divine judgment on the wicked (vv. 8–11).
It closes with assurance of God’s defense of the afflicted and the ultimate blessing of the righteous who dwell in His presence (vv. 12–13).

Connections.
Following chapter 139, which celebrates God’s omniscience and inescapable presence, this chapter applies that same confidence in God’s nearness to the context of persecution and danger. Where the previous psalm marveled at divine knowledge, Psalm 140 calls on that ever-present God to act in judgment and rescue. It prepares the way for Psalm 141, which likewise offers a prayer for protection from temptation and evil, continuing the theme of dependence on God amid hostility, while deepening the penitential tone.

What it teaches.
The psalm underscores the reality of spiritual conflict and the legitimacy of praying for God’s intervention against oppressors, without resorting to personal vengeance. It affirms that God is the protector of the vulnerable and the righteous judge who hears the cries of the afflicted (WCF 19.4; LC 107). The destructive power of the tongue is acknowledged (cf. HC LD 43, Q&A 112), and the prayer for judgment reflects covenantal appeals for God to uphold justice, trusting that He will not let the wicked prevail (WCF 3.7; CD I.12). The closing affirmation that the upright will dwell in God’s presence points to the hope of communion with Him as the final reward of the faithful (BC Article 24; AP 1:15).

Apply.
When threatened by deceit and hostility, bring your fear and plea for justice to God, who shelters the oppressed and answers from His throne.

AI-generated. Not a substitute for Scripture, your pastor, or the confessions.