Psalm 140:8 Study Bible: LORD, do not grant the desires of the wicked. Do not let their evil plans succeed, or they will become proud. Selah.

◄ Psalm 140:8 ►

Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not promote their evil plans, lest they be exalted. Selah

Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked;
This phrase is a plea for divine intervention against the intentions of those who oppose God's righteousness. The "wicked" in biblical terms often refers to those who live in opposition to God's laws and principles. In the context of the Psalms, David frequently faced adversaries who sought his harm, and this prayer reflects a desire for God to thwart their plans. Theologically, this reflects the belief in God's sovereignty and justice, where the righteous seek protection and vindication from God. This plea is echoed in other scriptures, such as Proverbs 10:3, which states that the Lord will not let the righteous go hungry, but He thwarts the craving of the wicked.

do not promote their evil plans,
Here, the psalmist asks God not to allow the schemes of the wicked to succeed. This reflects a deep trust in God's ability to control the outcomes of human actions. The historical context of David's life, filled with political intrigue and personal betrayal, provides a backdrop for this request. Theologically, it underscores the belief that God is actively involved in the affairs of the world, ensuring that evil does not ultimately prevail. This aligns with the New Testament teaching in Romans 8:28, where God works all things for the good of those who love Him.

lest they be exalted.
The concern here is that if the wicked succeed, they may gain power and influence, leading others astray and furthering injustice. This reflects a common biblical theme where the exaltation of the wicked is seen as a temporary state that God will ultimately rectify. The psalmist's concern is not just personal but communal, as the exaltation of the wicked can lead to societal corruption. This is reminiscent of the story of Haman in the Book of Esther, where his temporary rise to power is ultimately overturned by God's providence.

Selah
The term "Selah" is often understood as a pause or reflection point, inviting the reader or listener to contemplate the preceding words. In the context of the Psalms, it serves as a moment to meditate on the truths expressed, particularly the plea for divine justice and protection. While its exact meaning is debated, it is generally seen as an invitation to consider the weight and implications of the prayer, reinforcing the seriousness of the request for God to intervene against the wicked.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of this psalm, David is seeking God's protection against his enemies and those who plot evil.

2. The Wicked
Refers to those who oppose God's ways and seek to harm the righteous through deceit and malice.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, invoked by David as the ultimate protector and judge.

4. Selah
A term used in the Psalms, possibly indicating a pause for reflection or emphasis on the preceding statement.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty Over Evil
Trust in God's ability to thwart the plans of the wicked. He is sovereign and just, ensuring that evil does not ultimately prevail.

Prayer as a Weapon
Use prayer to seek God's intervention against evil. Like David, we should pray for God to prevent the success of wicked schemes.

Reflection on Desires
Examine personal desires and ensure they align with God's will. Avoid the temptation to pursue selfish or harmful ambitions.

The Power of Pause (Selah)
Take time to reflect on God's power and justice. Use moments of pause to deepen your trust in His protection and plan.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's plea in Psalm 140:8 reflect his understanding of God's character and justice?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of praying against the desires of the wicked in our own lives today?

3. How does the concept of "Selah" enhance our understanding and application of this verse?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure our desires align with God's will, as suggested by James 4:3?

5. How do the themes in Psalm 140:8 connect with the broader biblical account of God's protection and justice, as seen in Psalm 37 and Proverbs 6:16-19?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 37
This psalm also addresses the fate of the wicked and the protection of the righteous, emphasizing trust in the Lord.

Proverbs 6:16-19
Lists things the Lord hates, including a heart that devises wicked plans, connecting to the theme of opposing evil intentions.

James 4:3
Discusses the motives behind prayers and desires, highlighting the importance of aligning with God's will rather than selfish ambitions.

Sermons

The Desires of the Wicked Inadmissible	D. A. Clark.	Psalm 140:8
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
The Intervention of God Sought	R. Tuck	Psalm 140:8-11

People

David, Psalmist

Places

Jerusalem

Topics

Bring, Designs, Desire, Desires, Device, Evil, Exalt, Exalted, Forth, Further, Grant, Lest, O, Plans, Plot, Pride, Promote, Proud, Selah, Succeed, Themselves, Uplifted, Wicked, Wrongdoer

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Psalm 140:8

5917 plans

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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