◄ Psalm 140 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
Rescue Me from Evil Men For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. 1 Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men. Protect me from men of violence, 2who devise evil in their hearts and stir up war all day long. 3They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips.a Selah 4Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked. Keep me safe from men of violence who scheme to make me stumble. 5The proud hide a snare for me; the cords of their net are spread along the path, and lures are set out for me. Selah 6I say to the LORD, “You are my God.” Hear, O LORD, my cry for help. 7O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You shield my head in the day of battle. 8Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not promote their evil plans, lest they be exalted. Selah 9May the heads of those who surround me be covered in the trouble their lips have caused. 10May burning coals fall on them; may they be thrown into the fire, into the miry pits, never to rise again. 11May no slanderer be established in the land; may calamity hunt down the man of violence. 12I know that the LORD upholds justice for the poor and defends the cause of the needy. 13Surely the righteous will praise Your name; the upright will dwell in Your presence. Footnotes: 3 a Cited in Romans 3:13 Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 140 Summary Rescue Me from Evil Men Verses 1–3 – Plea for Rescue from Violent Schemers David cries out for deliverance from “evil men” whose hearts are set on war and whose words carry venom like a snake’s bite. Verses 4–5 – Protection from Hidden Traps He asks the LORD to guard him from the snares, nets, and traps secretly laid by the proud. Verses 6–8 – Confident Petition to God the Deliverer Declaring, “You are my God,” David leans on the LORD as the strength of his salvation, pleading that the schemes of the wicked be stopped. Verses 9–11 – Righteous Judgment on Evildoers He calls for evildoers to fall into the very trouble they have caused—burning coals, fire, and pursuing calamity. Verses 12–13 – Assurance of God’s Justice and Praise David is certain that the LORD upholds the poor and needy; therefore, the righteous will praise His name and live in His presence. Psalm 140 is a fervent prayer of the Psalmist for deliverance from the wicked and the evil that surrounds him. The Psalmist turns to God in his dire times, recognizing His power to shield the righteous and bring about justice. This Psalm is an embodiment of trust and faith in divine intervention in the face of adversity. Authorship and Setting The superscription names David. The language fits seasons when he was hunted—perhaps Saul’s pursuit (1 Samuel 23–24) or Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 15). Both periods involved violent men, slander, and hidden traps. David’s experience as a warrior who trusted God, not his own strength, frames every line. Psalm Type and Shape • Individual lament that turns to confident praise • Five movements: cry (1-3), request (4-5), confession of trust (6-8), call for judgment (9-11), affirmation of justice (12-13) Selah marks pauses for reflection after vv. 3, 5, 8. Key Themes 1. God rescues the innocent from violent plots. 2. Words can wound like weapons (v. 3; cf. Proverbs 12:18). 3. Divine justice lets evil rebound on itself. 4. The needy are safe in God’s courtroom even when earthly courts fail. Literary Pictures • Snake tongue (v. 3): desert vipers of Judea, a vivid image of lethal speech. • Nets, cords, snares (v. 5): hunting gear discovered in ancient Judean caves shows how nets were stretched across paths. • Burning coals and fire (v. 10): echoes ancient sieges where hot stones were hurled over walls (Judges 9:53). Historical and Archaeological Insights Excavations at Lachish and Megiddo reveal sling stones and iron arrowheads from 10th–9th centuries BC, confirming the constant threat of violent men in David’s age. Desert copper mines near Timna house petroglyphs of snakes, underlining the psalm’s reptile imagery. Connections to the Life of David • Doeg the Edomite’s slander (1 Samuel 22) fits “slanderers” (v. 11). • The Ziphites who “spread a net” by betraying David’s location (1 Samuel 26:1) resemble the proud setting traps (v. 5). Other Old Testament Links • Psalm 5:9 and 58:3 share the serpent-tongue motif. • Psalm 141:9–10 repeats the prayer that the wicked fall into their own nets. • Proverbs 26:27: “He who digs a pit will fall into it”—a wisdom echo of vv. 9-10. New Testament Echoes Paul quotes v. 3 in Romans 3:13 to show the universal corruption of human speech. James 3:8 pictures the tongue as “restless evil, full of deadly poison,” mirroring David’s image. Vindication and Justice David does not seek personal revenge; he places judgment in God’s hands (see Deuteronomy 32:35). His bold requests reflect trust that God’s verdict will be fair and final. Hebrew Word Insights • “Violent men” (hamas, vv. 1, 4): brutal, ruthless action. • “Selah”: pause to weigh what was said. • “Upholds justice” (v. 12): a legal term meaning God secures the legal rights of the oppressed. Lessons for Believers Today 1. Take slander and intimidation straight to God; He hears (v. 6). 2. Pray honestly for justice, leaving the outcome to the LORD (v. 8). 3. Trust God’s character: He defends the needy, so praise can rise even before deliverance comes (vv. 12-13). Worship Application Psalm 140 can be sung or read when facing persecution, reminding the gathered church that God’s protection and final justice are sure. Connections to Additional Scriptures Ephesians 6:10-18 This passage on the armor of God complements Psalm 140 by providing practical steps for spiritual warfare. Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer echoes the theme of God as a protector. Romans 12:19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath aligns with the call for divine justice in Psalm 140. Teaching Points Cry for Deliverance David begins with an urgent plea for rescue from evil men. Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men. Protect me from violent men (Psalm 140:1). This highlights the importance of turning to God in times of distress. Recognition of Evil Intent David describes the wicked as those who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war all day long (Psalm 140:2). This acknowledgment of the enemy's intentions is crucial for understanding the nature of spiritual warfare. God as Protector The psalm emphasizes God's role as a shield and protector. O LORD, my Lord, my strong deliverer, You shield my head in the day of battle (Psalm 140:7). This reassures believers of God's unwavering protection. Justice and Retribution David calls for justice against the wicked, asking God to let the heads of those who surround me be covered with the trouble their lips have caused (Psalm 140:9). This reflects a desire for divine justice rather than personal vengeance. Confidence in God's Justice The psalm concludes with confidence in God's justice and care for the afflicted. Surely the righteous will praise Your name; the upright will dwell in Your presence (Psalm 140:13). This assurance encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate justice. Practical Applications Seek God's Protection In times of trouble, actively seek God's protection and deliverance through prayer, just as David did. Discernment of Evil Be vigilant and discerning of the evil intentions around you, understanding that spiritual warfare is a reality. Trust in God's Justice Trust that God will bring justice in His time, and refrain from taking matters into your own hands. Praise and Worship Cultivate a heart of praise and worship, knowing that the righteous will ultimately dwell in God's presence. People 1. David The psalmist and author of the psalm. He is the one praying to God for deliverance from evil men. David is traditionally understood to be the king of Israel and a man after God's own heart. 2. God (Yahweh) Referred to as the LORD in the psalm, God is the one to whom David directs his prayer for protection and justice. The Hebrew name used is "Yahweh," which signifies the covenantal name of God, emphasizing His eternal and self-existent nature. 3. The Wicked These are the evil men from whom David seeks deliverance. They are described as violent and deceitful, plotting against the righteous. The Hebrew term used for the wicked is "רָשָׁע" (rasha), which denotes those who are morally wrong or guilty. Places 1. Presence of the Wicked The psalmist speaks of being surrounded by evil men and violent individuals. This "place" is more of a situational context where the psalmist finds himself amidst those who plot harm (Psalm 140:1-2). 2. Paths of the Righteous The psalmist refers to the paths or ways that the wicked attempt to ensnare. This can be seen as a metaphorical place where the righteous walk, which the wicked try to disrupt with traps and snares (Psalm 140:5). 3. Refuge in the Lord The psalmist describes the Lord as his refuge, a place of safety and protection from adversaries. This is a spiritual place of security and trust in God's deliverance (Psalm 140:6-7). 4. Land of the Living The psalmist expresses a desire to remain in the "land of the living," which symbolizes life and continued existence under God's care, contrasting with the threat of death posed by enemies (Psalm 140:13). Events 1. Petition for Deliverance David begins by asking God to rescue him from evil men and violent individuals. He seeks protection from those who devise evil plans in their hearts and continually stir up wars (Psalm 140:1-2). 2. Description of the Wicked The psalmist describes the wicked as having tongues as sharp as serpents, with the poison of vipers on their lips (Psalm 140:3). This imagery highlights the deceitful and harmful nature of their words. 3. Request for Protection David asks the Lord to keep him from the hands of the wicked and to protect him from violent men who plan to trip his feet (Psalm 140:4). The Hebrew root for "keep" (שָׁמַר, shamar) implies guarding or watching over. 4. Plotting of the Proud The psalmist notes that the proud have hidden a snare for him, spreading out nets and setting traps along his path (Psalm 140:5). This reflects the intentional and cunning nature of their schemes. 5. Declaration of Trust in God David expresses his trust in the Lord, acknowledging Him as his God and the strength of his salvation. He calls upon God to listen to his pleas for mercy (Psalm 140:6-7). 6. Prayer for Justice The psalmist asks God not to grant the desires of the wicked or let their plans succeed, lest they become proud (Psalm 140:8). This reflects a desire for divine justice and the thwarting of evil intentions. 7. Imprecation Against the Wicked David prays for the heads of those who surround him to be covered with the trouble their lips have caused. He asks for burning coals to fall upon them and for them to be cast into the fire (Psalm 140:9-10). This imprecatory prayer seeks retribution for their evil actions. 8. Confidence in God's Justice The psalmist expresses confidence that God will uphold the cause of the afflicted and bring justice to the poor (Psalm 140:12). This assurance is rooted in the character of God as a righteous judge. 9. Anticipation of the Righteous' Praise The psalm concludes with the expectation that the righteous will give thanks to God's name and that the upright will dwell in His presence (Psalm 140:13). This reflects a hopeful outlook for the future vindication and worship of the faithful. Lessons from Psalm 140 1. Trust in Divine Protection Psalm 140 reminds us of the importance of seeking God's protection in times of trouble. The psalmist begins by asking the Lord to "rescue me, O LORD, from evil men; protect me from violent men" (Psalm 140:1). This verse encourages us to rely on God's strength and protection, knowing that He is our ultimate shield against the challenges and dangers we face in life. 2. The Power of Prayer Prayer is a powerful tool that connects us with God, and Psalm 140 emphasizes its significance. The psalmist's plea for deliverance is a testament to the power of prayer in seeking God's intervention. "O LORD, I call to You; hasten to me. Hear my voice when I call to You" (Psalm 140:6). This verse encourages us to make prayer a regular part of our lives, trusting that God hears and responds to our cries. 3. Recognizing the Reality of Evil The psalmist acknowledges the presence of evil in the world, describing those who "devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war all day long" (Psalm 140:2). This recognition helps us remain vigilant and aware of the spiritual battles we face. By understanding the reality of evil, we can better prepare ourselves to stand firm in our faith and resist temptation. 4. The Importance of Righteous Speech Psalm 140 highlights the destructive power of words, as the psalmist describes those whose "tongues are as sharp as a serpent's; the venom of vipers is on their lips" (Psalm 140:3). This serves as a reminder to use our words wisely and to speak truth and love, reflecting the character of Christ in our interactions with others. 5. God's Justice Prevails The psalmist expresses confidence in God's justice, declaring, "I know that the LORD upholds justice for the poor and defends the cause of the needy" (Psalm 140:12). This assurance of divine justice encourages us to trust that God will ultimately right the wrongs in the world and vindicate those who are oppressed. 6. Seeking Refuge in God In times of distress, the psalmist finds refuge in God, proclaiming, "You are my God; hear, O LORD, my cry for help" (Psalm 140:6). This lesson teaches us to seek refuge in God, knowing that He is our safe haven and source of comfort amidst life's storms. 7. The Role of Faith in Overcoming Fear Psalm 140 demonstrates the power of faith in overcoming fear. The psalmist's trust in God's protection and justice allows him to face adversity with confidence. "Surely the righteous will praise Your name; the upright will dwell in Your presence" (Psalm 140:13). This verse encourages us to cultivate a strong faith that dispels fear and empowers us to live boldly for Christ. 8. The Value of Righteous Living The psalmist's focus on righteousness serves as a reminder of the importance of living a life that honors God. By striving to live righteously, we align ourselves with God's will and experience the blessings of His presence. "The upright will dwell in Your presence" (Psalm 140:13) highlights the reward of a life dedicated to following God's commands. 9. God's Sovereignty in All Circumstances Psalm 140 underscores God's sovereignty, reminding us that He is in control of all situations. The psalmist's confidence in God's ability to deliver and protect reflects a deep trust in His sovereign power. This lesson encourages us to surrender our worries to God, knowing that He is working all things for our good. 10. The Assurance of God's Presence Finally, Psalm 140 assures us of God's constant presence in our lives. The psalmist's reliance on God as his refuge and protector highlights the comfort and peace that come from knowing that God is always with us. "The upright will dwell in Your presence" (Psalm 140:13) serves as a powerful reminder that we are never alone, and that God's presence is our greatest source of strength and hope. Topics 1. Prayer for Deliverance from Evil Men The psalmist begins by asking God to rescue him from wicked and violent men. The Hebrew word for "rescue" (הַצִּילֵנִי, "hatzileni") emphasizes a plea for immediate and powerful intervention. ^"Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men. Protect me from violent men,"^ (Psalm 140:1). 2. Description of the Wicked The psalmist describes the malicious intentions and deceitful nature of his enemies. The Hebrew term for "evil" (רָעִים, "ra'im") conveys a sense of moral corruption. ^"who devise evil in their hearts and stir up war all day long."^ (Psalm 140:2). 3. Metaphor of the Serpent The wicked are likened to serpents, highlighting their cunning and dangerous nature. The imagery of a serpent is often associated with deceit and malice in biblical literature. ^"They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips."^ (Psalm 140:3). 4. Call for Divine Protection The psalmist seeks God's protection against the traps and snares set by his enemies. The Hebrew word for "guard" (שָׁמְרֵנִי, "shomreni") implies vigilant and watchful care. ^"Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked. Keep me safe from violent men who scheme to make me stumble."^ (Psalm 140:4). 5. Confidence in God's Justice The psalmist expresses trust in God's ability to uphold justice and defend the afflicted. The Hebrew root for "justice" (מִשְׁפָּט, "mishpat") underscores God's righteous judgment. ^"I know that the LORD upholds justice for the poor and defends the cause of the needy."^ (Psalm 140:12). 6. Imprecation Against the Wicked The psalmist calls for God's judgment upon the wicked, asking that their evil plans backfire. This reflects the biblical principle of divine retribution. ^"May disaster hunt down the wicked."^ (Psalm 140:11). 7. Assurance of the Righteous' Future The psalm concludes with an assurance that the righteous will dwell in God's presence, highlighting the ultimate hope and security found in God. ^"Surely the righteous will praise Your name; the upright will dwell in Your presence."^ (Psalm 140:13). Themes 1. Deliverance from Evil Men The psalmist pleads for rescue from violent and wicked individuals. The Hebrew word for "evil" (רָעָה, ra'ah) emphasizes moral wickedness. ^“Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men. Protect me from violent men.”^ (Psalm 140:1) 2. Protection from Slander and Deceit The psalmist seeks protection from those who use their tongues for harm, highlighting the destructive power of words. The Hebrew term for "tongue" (לָשׁוֹן, lashon) often implies deceit. ^“They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips.”^ (Psalm 140:3) 3. God as a Refuge The psalmist acknowledges God as a source of strength and protection, a recurring theme in the Psalms. The Hebrew word for "refuge" (מָעוֹז, ma'oz) conveys a stronghold or fortress. ^“O LORD, my Lord, my strong deliverer, You shield my head in the day of battle.”^ (Psalm 140:7) 4. Divine Justice The psalmist calls for God's justice against the wicked, trusting in divine retribution. The Hebrew root for "justice" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) underscores the legal and moral order. ^“Let the heads of those who surround me be covered with the trouble their lips have caused.”^ (Psalm 140:9) 5. Confidence in God's Righteousness The psalmist expresses confidence that God will uphold the cause of the afflicted and the rights of the poor. The Hebrew word for "righteousness" (צֶדֶק, tsedeq) reflects God's moral integrity. ^“Surely the righteous will praise Your name; the upright will dwell in Your presence.”^ (Psalm 140:13) Prayer Points Protection Pray for God's protection over yourself and loved ones from any form of evil or harm. Discernment Ask for wisdom and discernment to recognize and resist the schemes of the enemy. Justice Pray for God's justice to prevail in situations of injustice and oppression. Praise Offer prayers of praise and thanksgiving for God's faithfulness and protection in your life. As we reflect on Psalm 140, let us be encouraged by David's example of seeking God's deliverance and justice, trusting in His protection, and maintaining a heart of praise amidst adversity. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Psalm 140:1, can we historically verify the “evil men” mentioned or are they purely metaphorical? 2. How does calling for coals of fire upon evildoers in Psalm 140:10 align with the concept of a merciful God? 3. If Psalm 140 is attributed to David, is there concrete evidence supporting his authorship, or could it be someone else? 4. Do verses like Psalm 140:9–10 contradict the New Testament teaching of loving one's enemies (e.g., Matthew 5:44)? 5. Is there any archeological or historical data to validate the specific conflicts described in Psalm 140, or are these events unsubstantiated? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the Psalmist describe the wicked in Psalm 140? How do these descriptions relate to situations you have encountered in your life? 2. What attributes of God does the Psalmist highlight in his prayer for deliverance? 3. How does the Psalmist portray the power of words in this Psalm? 4. How does Psalm 140 encourage you to respond to wickedness or adversity in your life? 5. How does this Psalm demonstrate dependence on God? 6. How does the Psalmist envision divine retribution for the wicked? How does this align with your understanding of God's justice? 7. In verse 12, the Psalmist declares his trust in God to maintain the cause of the afflicted. How can this perspective influence our actions towards injustice we see today? 8. What can we learn from the Psalmist's certainty of God's protection? 9. How does the Psalmist's prayer for deliverance inspire you in your personal prayers? 10. How does Psalm 140 challenge you to address the presence of evil in today's society? 11. In what ways does Psalm 140 inspire you to stand up for the rights of the needy and afflicted? 12. How can we apply the Psalmist's trust in God's justice to our daily lives? 13. The Psalmist believes that the righteous will live in God's presence. How does this belief influence his attitude towards adversity? 14. How can we find courage in God as our protector, as portrayed in Psalm 140? 15. In the face of adversity, how can this Psalm guide you in your prayers and actions? 16. What are some practical ways to counteract the wickedness described in this Psalm in our own communities? 17. How does the Psalmist's faith amid adversity inspire you in your spiritual journey? 18. What does Psalm 140 teach us about God's response to the prayers of the afflicted? 19. How can Psalm 140 help us maintain hope during difficult times? 20. In what ways can the promises of God's justice and protection, as seen in Psalm 140, shape our worldview and actions? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions