Psalm 140:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men; preserve me from violent men,

NIV: For the director of music. A psalm of David. Rescue me, Lord, from evildoers; protect me from the violent,

NASB: Rescue me, Lord, from evil people; Protect me from violent men

CSB: For the choir director. A psalm of David. Rescue me, Lord, from evil men. Keep me safe from violent men

NLT: O Lord, rescue me from evil people. Protect me from those who are violent,

KJV: To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;

NKJV: {To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.} Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men; Preserve me from violent men,

Psalm 140:1–5 prays for rescue from vicious and immoral enemies. David speaks of plans, traps, and malicious words. These suggest a conspiracy (Psalm 140:8) to have David killed (1 Samuel 19:1–2) or overthrown as king (2 Samuel 15:13–14). Whoever these opponents are, David calls on the Lord for protection.

David prays for rescue from wicked and bloodthirsty enemies. He suggests violent conspiracies and traps, including false words. These enemies are plotting for his death, so he asks God for protection. This prayer comes with confidence that the Lord will grant David's request. David also asks the Lord to judge these evil opponents: to make them suffer defeat and death. This is also expressed with confidence that God will do what is right and care for the weak.

Psalm 140 is part of a series associated with David (Psalms 138—145). No specific event is mentioned. However, David experienced danger and conspiracy many times. King Saul sought to have him killed (1 Samuel 19:1–2) and David's own son, Absalom, conspired to take the throne (2 Samuel 15:13–14). Because David prays for negative consequences on these enemies, this is considered the last of the "imprecatory" psalms (Psalms 5; 10; 17; 35; 58; 59; 69; 70; 79; 83; 109; 129; 13). Davd's Psalm 7 has a similar progression of ideas and also relates to a hostile enemy.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 7/9/2025 12:00:01 AM