Psalm 140

Psalm 140 is a prayer of David, seeking deliverance from violent and wicked people. David cries out for God's protection against those who plan evil and seek to harm him. Throughout the chapter, David asks for divine intervention and justice, expressing confidence that God will defend the innocent and punish the wicked.

Psalm 140:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men; Preserve me from violent men,
2 Who plan evil things in their hearts; They continually gather together for war.
3 They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; The poison of asps is under their lips. Selah
4 Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; Preserve me from violent men, Who have purposed to make my steps stumble.
5 The proud have hidden a snare for me, and cords; They have spread a net by the wayside; They have set traps for me. Selah

David begins by asking the Lord for deliverance from evil and violent men. He describes their hearts as being filled with evil intent, constantly planning war and violence. Their words are compared to the venom of a serpent, indicating how harmful and dangerous their speech is. David prays for God to protect him from their schemes and snares, recognizing that the wicked have laid traps to cause his downfall.

Psalm 140:6-8 (NKJV)
6 I said to the Lord: “You are my God; Hear the voice of my supplications, O Lord.
7 O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle.
8 Do not grant, O Lord, the desires of the wicked; Do not further his wicked scheme, Lest they be exalted. Selah

David affirms his trust in God, declaring that God is his protector and the source of his salvation. He recalls how God has shielded him in times of battle and danger. He pleads with God not to allow the wicked to succeed or for their evil plans to be fulfilled. David knows that if the wicked are successful, they will be exalted in their own pride, so he asks God to intervene.

Psalm 140:9-11 (NKJV)
9 “As for the head of those who surround me, Let the evil of their 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 a slanderer be established in the earth; Let evil hunt the violent man to overthrow him.”

David prays for justice, asking that the wicked suffer the consequences of their own evil words and actions. He asks that burning coals, symbolic of divine judgment, fall upon them and that they be cast into destruction. David desires that slanderers and violent men not be allowed to thrive, but instead, that they be overtaken by the very evil they have plotted.

Psalm 140:12-13 (NKJV)
12 I know that the Lord will maintain The cause of the afflicted, And justice for the poor.
13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; The upright shall dwell in Your presence.

David ends his prayer with confidence in God's justice. He declares that God defends the cause of the afflicted and brings justice to the poor. David is sure that the righteous will thank God for His deliverance and that the upright will enjoy His presence, finding safety and peace in Him. This conclusion shows David’s trust in God's goodness and His ultimate protection.