> [[psalm-139|← Previous]] | [[psalm-00|TOC]] | [[psalm-141|Next →]] --- # Psalm 140 ## Prayer for Deliverance from the Wicked 1 For the leader. A psalm of David. ### I 2 Deliver me, LORD, from the wicked; preserve me from the violent, 3 From those who plan evil in their hearts, who stir up conflicts every day, 4 Who sharpen their tongue like a serpent, venom of asps upon their lips. *Selah* ### II 5 Keep me, LORD, from the clutches of the wicked; preserve me from the violent, who plot to trip me up. 6 The arrogant have set a trap for me; they have spread out ropes for a net, laid snares for me by the wayside. *Selah* 7 I say to the LORD: You are my God; listen, LORD, to the words of my pleas. 8 LORD, my master, my strong deliverer, you cover my head on the day of armed conflict. 9 LORD, do not grant the desires of the wicked one; do not let his plot succeed. *Selah* ### III 10 Those who surround me raise their heads; may the mischief they threaten overwhelm them. 11 Drop burning coals upon them; cast them into the watery pit never more to rise. 12 Slanderers will not survive on earth; evil will hunt down the man of violence to overthrow him. 13 For I know the LORD will take up the cause of the needy, justice for the poor. 14 Then the righteous will give thanks to your name; the upright will dwell in your presence. \* (Psalm 140) A lament seeking rescue from violent and treacherous foes ([Ps 140:2] – [6]). The psalmist remains trusting ([Ps 140:7] – [8]), vigorously praying that the plans of the wicked recoil upon themselves ([Ps 140:9] – [12]). A serene statement of praise ends the Psalm ([Ps 140:13]). The psalmist is content to be known as one of “the needy,” “the poor,” “the just,” “the upright” ([Ps 140:13]), a class of people expecting divine protection. \* (140:4) Similar metaphors for a wicked tongue are used in [Ps 52:2]; [55:20]; [58:3]. \* (140:6) Have set a trap…have spread out ropes for a net: the same figure, of hunters setting traps, occurs in ([[psalm-09|Ps 9]]:16]; [31:5]; [35:7]; [64:6], cf. ([[matthew-22|Mt 22]]:15]; ([[luke-11|Lk 11]]:54]. a. (140:2) [Ps 71:4]. b. (140:4) [Ps 64:4]; ([[romans-03|Rom 3]]:13]. c. (140:5) [Jer 18:22]; [Ps 56:7]; [57:7]. d. (140:7) [Ps 31:15]. e. (140:11) ([[psalm-11|Ps 11]]:6]; [120:4]; [[genesis-19|Gen 19]]:24. f. (140:14) ([[psalm-11|Ps 11]]:7]; [16:11]; [17:15]. --- _New American Bible, revised edition_ (2010, 1991, 1986, 1970) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. > [[psalm-139|← Previous]] | [[psalm-00|TOC]] | [[psalm-141|Next →]]