Psalm 140:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The arrogant have hidden a trap for me, and with cords they have spread a net; beside the way they have set snares for me. Selah

NIV: The arrogant have hidden a snare for me; they have spread out the cords of their net and have set traps for me along my path.

NASB: The proud have hidden a trap for me, and snares; They have spread a net at the wayside; They have set snares for me. Selah

CSB: The proud hide a trap with ropes for me; they spread a net along the path and set snares for me. Selah

NLT: The proud have set a trap to catch me; they have stretched out a net; they have placed traps all along the way. Interlude

KJV: The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah.

NKJV: The proud have hidden a snare for me, and cords; They have spread a net by the wayside; They have set traps for me. Selah

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 7/8/2025 11:36:29 AM