Psalms 140

Ps 140 In this individual lament, the psalmist artistically sketches God’s enemies with all their evil intents. He prays for the Lord’s protection and rescue with confidence in God’s strength and justice. He foresees the evil as being judged by fire (140:9-11) and himself as being vindicated and dwelling in the Lord’s presence (140:13).140:1-3 The psalmist prays for the Lord to rescue him from wicked people.

140:3 sting like a snake . . . a viper: These creatures depict the wicked as very corrupt people (see Prov 23:32; Isa 14:29; Rom 3:13).

140:4-5 The psalmist asks for divine protection (see Ps 121), praying that the Lord will keep him safe from the many schemes of the wicked.

140:7 The expression Sovereign Lord comes from combining the name Yahweh with the title Adonai (Master). See also 68:20; 69:6; 71:16; 73:28; 109:21; 141:8.

140:9-11 The psalmist prays for God’s judgment on the wicked.

140:10 The psalmist wants fire to descend on his enemies, and he wants them thrown into pits so they can never attack again. The language foreshadows the New Testament teaching on hell (Matt 5:22, 29-30; 10:28; 18:9; Mark 9:43-47; Luke 12:5; Jas 3:6; 2 Pet 2:4).