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;David appeals to the covenant LORD to deny the aims of violent and godless enemies. Their desires were not harmless ambitions but intentions directed against the righteous and against the order God established. The prayer rests on the certainty that God sees hidden motives and judges human plans. Pro 10:3 The LORD does not let the righteous go hungry,… do not promote their evil plans, David asks God to restrain the progress of schemes designed for harm. His own life included betrayal, armed opposition, and threats from men who used power and deceit for unjust ends. God’s people may bring such dangers before Him, trusting that no conspiracy can succeed beyond His sovereign permission. Job 5:12 He thwarts the schemes of the crafty, so that their hands… lest they be exalted. Success would strengthen the wicked in their rebellion, embolden others to follow them, and spread injustice among the people. David seeks more than personal safety; he asks that evil not gain public honor or influence. God eventually overturned the pride of men such as Haman and will finally humble every power raised against His righteousness. Psa 75:4 I say to the proud, ‘Do not boast,’ and to the wicked,… Selah Selah—a pause or reflection point—calls for sober reflection on God’s justice. Evil may appear to advance for a time, but the LORD remains able to frustrate its designs and preserve those who depend on Him. Hab 3:3 God came from Teman, and the Holy One from Mount Paran.… Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally 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 EvilTrust 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 37This 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.
People David, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Bring, Designs, Desire, Desires, Device, Evil, Exalt, Exalted, Forth, Further, Grant, Lest, O, Plans, Plot, Pride, Promote, Proud, Selah, Succeed, Themselves, Uplifted, Wicked, WrongdoerDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 140:8Library Question Lxxxiii of PrayerI. 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 Epistle xviii. To John, Bishop. How the Silent and the Talkative are to be Admonished. A Discourse of Mercifulness Covenanting a Privilege of Believers. Psalms Links Psalm 140:8 NIVPsalm 140:8 NLT Psalm 140:8 ESV Psalm 140:8 NASB Psalm 140:8 KJV Psalm 140:8 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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