Psalms
Chapter 140
1
1 For the leader. A psalm of David.
2
Deliver me, LORD, from the wicked; preserve me from the violent,
3
From those who plan evil in their hearts, who stir up conflicts every day,
4
2 Who sharpen their tongues like serpents, venom of asps upon their lips. Selah
5
Keep me, LORD, from the clutches of the wicked; preserve me from the violent, who plot to trip me up.
6
3 The arrogant have set a trap for me; villains have spread a net, laid snares for me by the wayside. Selah
7
I say to the LORD: You are my God; listen, LORD, to the words of my prayer.
8
My revered LORD, my strong helper, my helmet on the day of battle.
9
LORD, do not grant the desires of the wicked; do not let their plots succeed. Selah
10
Around me they raise their proud heads; may the mischief they threaten overwhelm them.
11
May God rain burning coals upon them, cast them into the grave never more to rise.
12
Slanderers will not survive on earth; evil will quickly entrap the violent.
13
For I know the LORD will secure justice for the needy, their rights for the poor.
14
Then the just will give thanks to your name; the upright will dwell in your presence.
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Footnotes

1 [Psalm 140] A lament seeking rescue from violent and treacherous foes (Psalm 140:2-6). The psalmist remains trusting (Psalm 140:7-8), vigorously praying that the plans of the wicked recoil upon themselves (Psalm 140:9-12). A serene statement of praise ends the psalm (Psalm 140:13). The psalmist is content to be known as one of "the needy," "the poor," "the just," "the upright" (Psalm 140:13), a class of people expecting divine protection.

2 [4] Similar metaphors for a wicked tongue are used in Psalm 52:2; 55:20; 58:3.

3 [6] Have set a trap . . . have spread a net: the same figure, of hunters setting traps, occurs in Psalm 9:16; 31:5; 35:7; 64:6. Cf Matthew 22:15; Luke 11:54.


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