Bible Glide

Psalms 140

Psalms 140 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Psalm 140 is a prayer for protection when danger comes through violence, lies, and hidden traps. David turns to God as his defender and asks for justice against those who plan harm. The psalm ends with confidence that the Lord stands with the poor and needy and keeps the righteous near him.

Read in ReaderShare Passage

What happens in Psalms 140?

David asks the Lord to rescue and guard him from violent people who plot evil, speak treacherously, and set traps in his path. He describes their words as poisonous and their plans as dangerous, then places his trust in God as his refuge and salvation. The prayer also asks that the wicked not succeed in their schemes. In the closing lines, David expresses confidence that God upholds justice for the poor, defends the needy, and will keep the upright in his presence.

This psalm belongs to the later part of the Psalter and carries David's voice in a time of threat. It follows a psalm focused on God's knowledge and presence, and now shifts to a plea for rescue from enemies. Psalm 140 fits with other laments that ask God to judge evil and protect his people.

Themes to notice

  • Protection from evilThe psalm asks God to shield his servant from violent people and hidden danger.
  • Words that woundIt highlights how harmful speech can become a tool of deceit and destruction.
  • God's justiceThe closing verses trust God to defend the needy and establish the righteous.

Questions for Psalms 140

  • What dangers or pressures is David naming in this prayer, and how does he respond to them?
  • How does the psalm show the difference between harmful speech and trust in God?
  • What does Psalm 140 teach about God's concern for the poor, the needy, and the upright?

Read the full text of Psalms 140 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Psalms 140

Rescue Me from Evil Men

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

1Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men.

Protect me from men of violence,

2who devise evil in their hearts

and stir up war all day long.

3They sharpen their tongues like snakes;

the venom of vipers is on their lips.

Selah

4Guard me, O LORD,

from the hands of the wicked.

Keep me safe from men of violence

who scheme to make me stumble.

5The proud hide a snare for me;

the cords of their net are spread along the path,

and lures are set out for me.

Selah

6I say to the LORD, “You are my God.”

Hear, O LORD, my cry for help.

7O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation,

You shield my head in the day of battle.

8Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked;

do not promote their evil plans,

lest they be exalted.

Selah

9May the heads of those who surround me

be covered in the trouble their lips have caused.

10May burning coals fall on them;

may they be thrown into the fire,

into the miry pits, never to rise again.

11May no slanderer be established in the land;

may calamity hunt down the man of violence.

12I know that the LORD upholds justice for the poor

and defends the cause of the needy.

13Surely the righteous will praise Your name;

the upright will dwell in Your presence.

Keep studying

Save notes and ask about Psalms 140

Create a free account to keep highlights and notes across devices, or open Bible Glide Chat with this passage already attached.

Create Free AccountAsk About This Passage