Study Guide

Psalms 140

סקירה כללית

A lament of David calling for deliverance from evil and violent men who have sharpened their tongues like serpents and planned evil attacks. The psalmist takes refuge in the Lord as his strong deliverer and trusted shield, confident the Lord will maintain the cause of the poor and execute justice for the needy.

Key Verses

Psalms 140:2

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

Psalms 140:3

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

Psalms 140:5

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.

Psalms 140:6

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

Psalms 140:7

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

Full Text

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.