Bible Commentaries
Psalms 140

Verses 1-13

PSALM 140

Opposed by outward enemies, the godly man looks to the Lord for deliverance, finding in Him his sole and sufficient resource.

Psalm 139 expresses the desire of the godly for truth in the inward parts, that he may be led in the way everlasting. In this psalm the godly man seeks deliverance from outward enemies, who seek to overthrow the godly in their steps, and turn them from the way everlasting.

(vv. 1-3) The psalmist appeals to the Lord for deliverance from evil men who are marked by violence, work corruptly, plot together against the godly, and prove themselves to be the instruments of Satan by speaking lies in hypocrisy.

(vv 4-5) Again the psalmist looks to the Lord for deliverance and preservation from those whose set purpose is to overthrow the godly, and, by hidden snares, to turn them from the right way.

(vv. 6-8) The soul strengthens himself in God. He has definitely put himself under the protection of God as His God. He confesses that God is His strength for deliverance, the One who can preserve him in the day of battle. God is the all sufficient resource to save and preserve the godly, and frustrate the devices of the wicked.

(vv. 9-11) He desires that the holy government of God against evil may take its course in regard to the wicked and that the mischief of their own lips may cover them, and those who lay snares to overthrow the godly may themselves he hunted by evil and overthrown.

(vv. 12-13) The psalm closes with an expression of the confidence of the psalmist that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the needy, resulting in the righteous praising the Lord's name in the Lord's presence.