◄ Psalm 140 ►
Book Study • Verse Study • Study Que
Summary Rescue Me from Evil Men Psalm 140 offers a potent reminder that, amidst a world fraught with evil, our refuge lies in God. His divine justice prevails, protecting the righteous and ensuring the downfall of the wicked. This Psalm encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith and trust in God's deliverance during challenging times. Section 1: A Plea for Protection (Verses 1-3) The Psalmist begins by imploring God to protect him from wicked and violent people. He vividly describes the harm they plan with their words like sharpened swords and their poisonous tongues. Section 2: A Cry for Justice (Verses 4-5) The Psalmist further calls on God to ensure that the wicked do not succeed in their evil plans. He acknowledges the snares and traps set by these evildoers and petitions God to prevent their triumph. Section 3: Acknowledging God as the Protector (Verses 6-8) The Psalmist affirms his faith in God as his protector. He prays that the wicked will face the consequences of their actions and that God will not grant the desires of the wicked, thus preventing them from causing further harm. Section 4: The Downfall of the Wicked (Verses 9-11) Here, the Psalmist anticipates the downfall of the wicked. He prays that their malicious words turn against them and they are consumed by the flames and troubles they create for others. Section 5: God, the Refuge of the Righteous (Verses 12-13) The Psalmist declares his assurance that God upholds the cause of the needy and the rights of the afflicted. He anticipates that the righteous will dwell in God's presence and receive his favor. 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. 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. 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. 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. Bible Study 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? 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) Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions