Psalm 140
A Prayer for Preservation from the Evil and Violent Man
A Prayer for Preservation from the Evil and Violent Man
Psalm 140. The next five Psalms, all by David, form a series that give us the expressions of Israel when restored in their land, yet not fully delivered from every enemy. Psalms 140-144 lead through the exercises of Israel, in increasing desperation, through to full deliverance, and the resulting praise beginning in Psalm 145 and running through Psalm 150. Psalm 140 in particular gives us the cry of the faithful for deliverance from the evil and violent man. Prophetically, this Psalm is very similar in theme to those of the first and second books of the Psalms, where the faithful remnant cry out for deliverance from antichrist and the apostate Jews. However, the context of the fifth book suggest that at this time Israel is seen returning to their land (they were seen cast out previously) dealing with an element in their company that are against Jehovah and His faithful ones, and on whom judgment will fall. The great enemy at this time is the Assyrian under the last form: Gog and Magog. The wicked of the ten tribes will be gathered under “the head” which would be Gog.
PSALM 140
To the chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
1 Free me, O Jehovah, from the evil man; preserve me from the violent man:
2 Who devise mischiefs in their heart; every day are they banded together for war.
3 They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; “adders’ poison is under their lips.” [quoted Romans 3:13] Selah.
4 Keep me, O Jehovah, from the hands of the wicked man, preserve me from the violent man, who devise to overthrow my steps.
5 The proud have hidden a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the way-side; they have set traps for me. Selah.
vv.1-5 For Preservation. The faithful cry out to Jehovah for deliverance from the evil and violent ones, who have banded together to war, using wicked means to overthrow and trip up the faithful. Part of v.3 is quoted by Paul in Romans 3:13 to illustrated the depravity of man. The snare and net of v.5 might be connected with the trap of unbelief, as in the speech of Rabshakeh in 2 Kings 18.
6 I have said unto Jehovah, Thou art my GOD: give ear, O Jehovah, to the voice of my supplications.
7 Jehovah, the Lord, is the strength of my salvation: thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.
8 Grant not, O Jehovah, the desire of the wicked; further not his device: they would exalt themselves. Selah.
9 As for the head of those that encompass me, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
10 Let burning coals fall on them; let them be cast into the fire; into deep waters, that they rise not up again.
11 Let not the man of evil tongue be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the man of violence to his ruin.
12 I know that Jehovah will maintain the cause of the afflicted one, the right of the needy.
13 Yea, the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name; the upright shall dwell in thy presence.
vv.6-13 For Vindication. The faithful continue their prayer for deliverance, and call on Jehovah to not allow the wicked to achieve their aim. They pray for vindication on the wicked, pictured by burning with fire and drowning in deep waters. The faithful have confidence in Jehovah; “I know that Jehovah will maintain the cause of the afflicted one, the right of the needy”. They look forward to the time when their deliverance will be complete, and they will be looking back on this time and praising the Lord as they dwell in His presence!