Psalm 140

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.

A Prayer for Protection from the Wicked: Trusting in God’s Justice

Psalm 140 is a fervent plea for deliverance from the schemes and violence of the wicked. In its thirteen verses, the psalmist implores the Lord to rescue them from the clutches of evildoers and to thwart their malicious plans. Each stanza serves as a testament to the psalmist’s unwavering trust in God’s righteousness and justice.

The psalm begins with a desperate cry for deliverance from the evil and violent men who seek to harm the psalmist. The psalmist describes the wicked as continually plotting mischief and sharpening their tongues like serpents, ready to strike with venomous words.

In verses five and six, the psalmist acknowledges their dependence on the Lord for protection and refuge. They affirm their faith in God as their Savior and plead for Him to hear their supplications and deliver them from the hands of the wicked.

The psalmist praises God as the strength of their salvation, acknowledging His covering and protection in the midst of battle. They petition the Lord not to grant the desires of the wicked and to thwart their evil plans, lest they become exalted in their pride.

In verses nine through eleven, the psalmist invokes divine justice upon the wicked, praying for their own mischief to befall them and for their schemes to be unsuccessful. They express confidence that God will uphold the cause of the afflicted and the rights of the poor, ensuring that righteousness prevails in the end.

The psalm concludes with a declaration of faith and gratitude, as the psalmist anticipates the righteous giving thanks to God’s name and dwelling in His presence forevermore.

In conclusion, Psalm 140 is a powerful prayer for protection from the wicked and vindication for the righteous. It is a reminder of the psalmist’s unwavering trust in God’s justice and providence, even in the face of adversity. Let us, therefore, emulate the psalmist’s example of faith and reliance on God’s righteousness, knowing that He will ultimately prevail over evil and establish His kingdom of peace and justice. Amen.