Psalm 140:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Guard me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have planned to trip up my feet.

NIV: Keep me safe, Lord, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from the violent, who devise ways to trip my feet.

NASB: Keep me, Lord, from the hands of the wicked; Protect me from violent men Who intend to trip up my feet.

CSB: Protect me, Lord, from the power of the wicked. Keep me safe from violent men who plan to make me stumble.

NLT: O Lord, keep me out of the hands of the wicked. Protect me from those who are violent, for they are plotting against me.

KJV: Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.

NKJV: Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; Preserve me from violent men, Who have purposed to make my steps stumble.

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 3/31/2025 3:56:02 PM