Chapter Text
A Prayer for Deliverance
Summary
Psalm 140 is an urgent plea for deliverance from violent and deceitful men who sharpen their tongues like serpents and carry the poison of asps under their lips. They devise mischiefs in their hearts and continually stir up wars.
David prays that God would keep him from the hands of the wicked and not grant the desires of the evil. He calls for burning coals and fire to fall upon them and for the violent man to be overthrown. The psalm closes with confident assurance that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted and the right of the poor.
Meaning
This psalm addresses the deadly power of malicious speech and violent intent. The comparison of the wicked tongue to a serpent's venom teaches that words can be as lethal as physical weapons, poisoning reputations and destroying lives.
David's imprecatory prayers are directed not at personal enemies but at those who systematically oppress the innocent. The call for divine judgment flows from a commitment to justice that human courts have failed to provide.
The psalm's concluding confidence that the upright shall dwell in God's presence provides the ultimate answer to the threat of evil. Regardless of what the wicked devise, the righteous have an eternal security that no conspiracy can penetrate.
Background
Attributed to David and addressed to the chief musician, this psalm is one of several in the final Davidic collection that deals with the threat of enemies. Its language suggests the period of David's persecution by Saul or later conspiracies within his own court.
The psalm's serpent imagery connects it to Genesis 3 and the broader biblical theme of the satanic dimension behind human malice.
Chapter Outline
- vv. 1-3Plea for deliverance from violent men
- vv. 4-5The snares of the proud
- vv. 6-8Trust in God as salvation's strength
- vv. 9-11Imprecation against the wicked
- vv. 12-13Confidence in God's justice
Key Verses
“O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.”— 140:7
A vivid confession of divine protection, picturing God as a helmet shielding the warrior. Often cited as an Old Testament parallel to Paul's armor of God in Ephesians 6.
“I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor.”— 140:12
A cornerstone verse for biblical teaching on God's advocacy for the oppressed, frequently invoked in theology of justice and mercy.
“Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.”— 140:13
The psalm's triumphant resolution, affirming the final vindication and intimate fellowship awaiting the faithful.
People & Places
People
- David — The psalmist and king of Israel, here pleading for deliverance from violent enemies.
Prophecy & Fulfillment
Verse 3, 'adders' poison is under their lips,' is quoted directly by Paul in Romans 3:13 as part of his sweeping indictment of universal human sinfulness. What David applied to specific enemies, Paul universalizes to demonstrate that all humanity stands guilty before God and in need of the righteousness that comes through Christ. The psalm's confidence in God as 'the strength of my salvation' (v.7) also anticipates the New Testament theme of God as deliverer through the Messiah.
Devotional
When surrounded by hostility, slander, or schemes we cannot control, Psalm 140 teaches us where to turn first. David does not strike back; he lifts his case to the Lord, naming God as his strength and shield.
This psalm gives words to anyone who has felt targeted unfairly or wounded by sharp tongues. It reminds us that our reputation, our safety, and our vindication ultimately rest in God's hands, not our own efforts to retaliate. The closing confidence — that the afflicted will be upheld and the upright will dwell in God's presence — invites us to trade anxiety for trust, and bitterness for prayer.
Literary Style
An individual lament psalm attributed to David, structured in alternating petition and confidence, punctuated three times by 'Selah.' Features vivid imagery (serpents, snares, burning coals), imprecatory prayer, and a closing affirmation of trust typical of Hebrew lyric poetry.