Psalm 140:1 Study Bible: [For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David.] Deliver me, LORD, from the evil man. Preserve me from the violent man;

◄ Psalm 140:1 ►

Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men. Protect me from men of violence,

Rescue me
The phrase "Rescue me" in Psalm 140:1 is a heartfelt plea for divine intervention. The Hebrew root for "rescue" is "נצל" (natsal), which conveys the idea of being snatched away or delivered from danger. This word is often used in the Old Testament to describe God's saving actions on behalf of His people. In the historical context of ancient Israel, the psalmist's cry for rescue reflects a deep reliance on God as the ultimate protector and deliverer. This plea is not just for physical safety but also for spiritual salvation, emphasizing the believer's trust in God's power to save from all forms of evil.

O LORD
The use of "O LORD" signifies a direct address to Yahweh, the covenant name of God, which is deeply personal and relational. In Hebrew, "LORD" is "יהוה" (YHWH), the sacred tetragrammaton, which underscores God's eternal and unchanging nature. This invocation of God's name is a reminder of His faithfulness and His promises to His people. It reflects the psalmist's intimate relationship with God, acknowledging Him as the sovereign ruler and the one who is both willing and able to intervene in human affairs.

from evil men
The phrase "from evil men" identifies the source of the psalmist's distress. The Hebrew word for "evil" is "רַע" (ra), which encompasses wickedness, harm, and moral corruption. In the biblical context, "evil men" are those who oppose God's will and act unjustly, often threatening the righteous. This phrase highlights the reality of spiritual warfare and the presence of malevolent forces in the world. The psalmist's request for deliverance from such individuals underscores the need for divine protection against those who seek to harm God's people.

Protect me
"Protect me" is a request for God's safeguarding presence. The Hebrew root "שׁמר" (shamar) means to guard, watch over, or keep. This term is frequently used in the Psalms to describe God's vigilant care for His people. The psalmist's appeal for protection is a recognition of human vulnerability and the need for God's constant oversight. It reflects a deep trust in God's ability to shield His followers from both physical and spiritual dangers, affirming His role as a refuge and fortress.

from violent men
The phrase "from violent men" further specifies the nature of the threat. The Hebrew word for "violent" is "חָמָס" (chamas), which implies cruelty, injustice, and oppression. In the ancient Near Eastern context, violence was a common means of exerting power and control. The psalmist's plea for protection from such individuals highlights the destructive impact of violence and the importance of seeking God's peace and justice. It serves as a reminder of the believer's reliance on God to confront and overcome the forces of violence and oppression in the world.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of this psalm, David often sought God's protection from his enemies, reflecting his reliance on divine intervention.

2. Evil Men
Represents those who plot harm and engage in wickedness, often seen as adversaries to the righteous.

3. Violent Men
Individuals who resort to physical aggression and brutality, posing a threat to peace and safety.

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His role as protector and deliverer of His people.

5. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical context in which David lived, often surrounded by hostile nations and internal strife.

Teaching Points

Dependence on God for Protection
Just as David sought God's help, believers today should rely on God for protection against both physical and spiritual threats.

Recognition of Evil
Understanding the nature of evil and violence helps believers to discern and avoid such influences in their lives.

Prayer as a Weapon
Prayer is a powerful tool for seeking God's intervention and protection, as demonstrated by David's plea.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Trusting in God's control over all situations provides peace and assurance amidst threats and adversities.

Living Righteously Amidst Wickedness
Believers are called to live righteously and avoid the influence of evil and violent individuals, reflecting God's holiness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's plea for rescue in Psalm 140:1 reflect his relationship with God, and how can we apply this in our own prayer life?

2. In what ways can we identify "evil men" and "violent men" in our contemporary context, and how should we respond to them?

3. How does the theme of divine protection in Psalm 140:1 connect with the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure we are not influenced by the wickedness and violence around us, as advised in Proverbs 4:14-17?

5. How can we cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty when facing personal or communal threats, drawing from David's example in this psalm?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 18:48
David praises God for delivering him from violent men, showing a consistent theme of seeking divine protection.

2 Samuel 22:49
David recounts God's deliverance from his enemies, paralleling the plea in Psalm 140:1.

Ephesians 6:12
The New Testament speaks of spiritual warfare against evil forces, expanding the concept of "evil men" to include spiritual adversaries.

Proverbs 4:14-17
Warns against following the path of wicked and violent men, aligning with the plea for protection in Psalm 140:1.

Sermons

God Preserves His Servant		Psalm 140:1-13
Our Adversary and Our Defense	S. Conway	Psalm 140:1-13
The Holy War	C. Short	Psalm 140:1-13

People

David, Psalmist

Places

Jerusalem

Topics

Chief, 140, Choirmaster, David, Deliver, Evil, Free, Gt, Keepest, Leader, Lt, Music, Musician, Music-maker, O, Overseer, Power, Preserve, Protect, Psalm, Rescue, Safe, Violence, Violent

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Psalm 140:1

     5480   protection
     5828   danger
     6738   rescue

Psalm 140:

5420 music

Psalm 140:1-2

     5606   warfare, nature of
     6186   evil scheming
     8730   enemies, of believers

Psalm 140:1-3

4500 poison
5948 shrewdness

Psalm 140:1-4

5511 safety
5975 violence

Library

Question Lxxxiii of Prayer
I. Is Prayer an Act of the Appetitive Powers? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer based on Friendship II. Is it Fitting to Pray? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer as a True Cause S. Augustine, On the Sermon on the Mount, II. iii. 14 " On the Gift of Perseverance, vii. 15 III. Is Prayer an Act of the Virtue of Religion? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Humility of Prayer S. Augustine, On Psalm cii. 10 " Of the Gift of Perseverance, xvi. 39 IV. Ought We to Pray to God Alone? S. Augustine, Sermon, cxxvii. 2 V. …
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

Letter xxvi. (Circa A. D. 1127) to the Same
To the Same He excuses the brevity of his letter on the ground that Lent is a time of silence; and also that on account of his profession and his ignorance he does not dare to assume the function of teaching. 1. You will, perhaps, be angry, or, to speak more gently, will wonder that in place of a longer letter which you had hoped for from me you receive this brief note. But remember what says the wise man, that there is a time for all things under the heaven; both a time to speak and a time to keep …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Epistle xviii. To John, Bishop.
To John, Bishop. Gregory to John, Bishop of Constantinople [1586] . At the time when your Fraternity was advanced to Sacerdotal dignity, you remember what peace and concord of the churches you found. But, with what daring or with what swelling of pride I know not, you have attempted to seize upon a new name, whereby the hearts of all your brethren might have come to take offence. I wonder exceedingly at this, since I remember how thou wouldest fain have fled from the episcopal office rather than …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

How the Silent and the Talkative are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 15.) Differently to be admonished are the over-silent, and those who spend time in much speaking. For it ought to be insinuated to the over-silent that while they shun some vices unadvisedly, they are, without its being perceived, implicated in worse. For often from bridling the tongue overmuch they suffer from more grievous loquacity in the heart; so that thoughts seethe the more in the mind from being straitened by the violent guard of indiscreet silence. And for the most part they …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

A Discourse of Mercifulness
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7 These verses, like the stairs of Solomon's temple, cause our ascent to the holy of holies. We are now mounting up a step higher. Blessed are the merciful . . '. There was never more need to preach of mercifulness than in these unmerciful times wherein we live. It is reported in the life of Chrysostom that he preached much on this subject of mercifulness, and for his much pressing Christians to mercy, he was called of many, the alms-preacher, …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Covenanting a Privilege of Believers.
Whatever attainment is made by any as distinguished from the wicked, or whatever gracious benefit is enjoyed, is a spiritual privilege. Adoption into the family of God is of this character. "He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power (margin, or, the right; or, privilege) to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."[617] And every co-ordinate benefit is essentially so likewise. The evidence besides, that Covenanting …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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