Psalms
Summary
Psalm 140 is a fervent plea for protection from violent and deceitful enemies who devise evil in their hearts. David describes his adversaries as those who sharpen their tongues like snakes and hide snares to trap him. He appeals to the LORD as his strong Deliverer, asking for God to preserve him from the hands of the wicked. The psalm expresses a deep confidence that the LORD will secure justice for the poor and uphold the cause of the needy, ending with the assurance that the righteous will live in God's presence and give thanks to His name.
Rescue me, LORD, from evildoers; protect me from the violent,
who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day.
They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent’s; the poison of vipers is on their lips.
Keep me safe, LORD, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from the violent, who devise ways to trip my feet.
The arrogant have hidden a snare for me; they have spread out the cords of their net and have set traps for me along my path.
I say to the LORD, "You are my God." Hear, LORD, my cry for mercy.
Sovereign LORD, my strong deliverer, you shield my head in the day of battle.
Do not grant the wicked their desires, LORD; do not let their plans succeed, or they will become proud.
As for the head of those who surround me, may the trouble their lips have caused engulf them.
May burning coals fall on them; may they be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, never to rise.
May slanderers not be established in the land; may disaster hunt down the violent.
I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.
Surely the righteous will praise your name, and the upright will live in your presence.