Chapter 140
Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.
Just read this chapter →Scripture
KJV1Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;
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.
6I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.
7O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.
8Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah.
9As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
10Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again.
11Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.
12I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor.
13Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.
“I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor.”
Overview
Psalm 140 is a prayer of David for deliverance from violent and evil men. He asks the LORD to preserve him from those who imagine mischiefs, who have sharpened their tongues like a serpent, and whose lips carry the poison of asps. The wicked have laid snares and spread nets for his feet. David affirms that the LORD is his God and calls on Him to hear his plea. He trusts that God maintains the cause of the afflicted and the right of the poor, and that the upright shall dwell in God's presence.
Key Themes
The Danger of Evil Speech
The enemies' primary weapon is their tongue — sharp as a serpent's and poisonous as an asp's, revealing that words can be instruments of deadly violence.
Prayer as the Believer's Weapon
David does not take vengeance into his own hands but brings his enemies before God in prayer, trusting the LORD to act on his behalf.
God as Champion of the Afflicted
The LORD maintains the cause of the afflicted and the right of the poor — He is the ultimate defender of those who cannot defend themselves.
Study Questions
How does the serpent imagery (v. 3) connect to the broader biblical narrative of the serpent and evil?
What does it look like to entrust our enemies to God rather than retaliating?
How does David's prayer model responding to slander and false accusation?
What does it mean that God 'maintains the cause of the afflicted' (v. 12)?
How does the assurance that 'the upright shall dwell in thy presence' (v. 13) provide ultimate comfort?
Connection to Christ
Jesus was attacked by the serpent's tongue throughout His ministry — slandered, falsely accused, and plotted against. He is the seed of the woman who crushes the serpent's head (Genesis 3:15). He maintains the cause of the afflicted and has secured the right of the poor in spirit to dwell in God's presence forever.
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through Psalms 140. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?