Psalms 140 - Printer Friendly

What does Psalms 140 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

This is the last of the "imprecatory" psalms (Psalms 5; 10; 17; 35; 58; 59; 69; 70; 79; 83; 109; 129; 137) which call on the Lord to directly punish enemies. David may have written this in response to King Saul's murderous jealousy (1 Samuel 19:1–2). It may also refer to the rebellion of Absalom, David's own son (2 Samuel 15:13–14). The general content is similar to Psalm 7, also written by David in reference to hostile enemies.

First comes David's prayer for rescue. The enemy is depicted as aggressive and wicked. Their violence comes through slander and lies which create conflict. These men also conspire, setting traps and preparing to catch David off-guard. These may be literal or political traps; in either case the aggressors are evil (Psalm 140:1–5).

Next is another statement of the same request. This time, David focuses on his prior experiences with the Lord. Since God has protected David in the past (1 Samuel 17:34–37; 19:10; 2 Samuel 8:14), David has confidence that rescue will come this time, as well. He is entirely loyal to God and doesn't want to see evil people succeed through their schemes (Psalm 140:6–8).

Other Old Testament passages speak about an evil person's own sins coming back to harm them (Psalm 7:14–16; Proverbs 6:32; 26:27; 28:10). Here, David asks that his enemies experience defeat and even death. The reference to the "head" might imply that David is thinking of a specific person who is leading these attacks. Once again, he echoes his concern that evil does not gain a foothold through success. However, these are framed as requests, not vows. David makes no plans to seek revenge (Romans 12:19; Hebrews 10:30); he expresses a desire that God would judge these enemies harshly (Psalm 140:9–11).

Again, David reinforces his faith in God. Based on prior experience, David knows that the Lord is good. He can be trusted in any circumstance. Those who properly honor Him—the "righteous" and "upright"—can expect to be with Him (Psalm 140:12–13).

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.

Psalm 140:6–8 repeats David's request to be spared death at the hands of conspiring enemies (Psalm 140:4–5). He looks back on the Lord's provision in prior battles (1 Samuel 17:34–37; 2 Samuel 8:14) and expresses confidence. David's prayer is not merely to spare his own life, but also to prevent evil men from attaining success through sin.

Psalm 140:9–11 contains direct requests that the Lord would harm or punish enemies. These "imprecations" are appeals to God, not vows, or plans for David to act himself. Part of his wish is that the wicked will suffer the same fate they seem to plan for David (Psalm 140:8). He hopes for their death and defeat, hoping that harm will come to these bloodthirsty ones before they gain power.

Psalm 140:12–13 celebrates David's confidence in God. Prior verses called on the Lord to rescue David from violent enemies who conspired for his death (Psalm 140:1, 8). Despite these hardships, David expresses faith that the Lord will do what is right. God will see that justice is done and reward those who honor Him.

Chapter Summary:

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.

Chapter Context:

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 12/18/2024 10:19:30 AM