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Psalm 140 | King James Audio Bible
YouTube | Psalm 140 KJV | King James Audio Bible | Word Aloud
Psalm 140 is a prayer for deliverance from evil, invoking God’s protection against the schemes and violence of wicked adversaries. The psalmist appeals to God as shield and saviour, expressing trust in divine intervention to preserve from harm. Central to Psalm 140 is a contrast between the malice of the wicked and the steadfastness of divine justice. The psalm concludes with confidence in the Lord’s ability to uphold the cause of the afflicted and the assurance that righteousness will ultimately dwell in God’s presence.
The psalm opens with a direct appeal: ‘Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man’ (v. 1), setting the stage for a narrative of conflict between the righteous and their oppressors. This initial verse immediately establishes the psalm’s central theme of seeking divine refuge.
As the psalm progresses, the nature of the threat is vividly depicted: ‘Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war’ (v. 2). The imagery employed here, ‘They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders’ poison is under their lips’ (v. 3), enhances the portrayal of the adversaries’ deceit and malice, illustrating the danger posed by their words and intentions.
The psalmist’s response to this threat is not one of despair but a reaffirmation of trust in God’s protective power: ‘Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man’ (v. 4). This plea underscores the belief in God’s capacity to safeguard the faithful from harm.
Amidst the depiction of adversity, the psalm articulates a profound sense of divine justice: ‘I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor’ (v. 12). This verse reflects a transition from personal supplication to a broader affirmation of God’s commitment to upholding justice for the oppressed.
The concluding verse, ‘Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence’ (v. 13), encapsulates the psalm’s message of hope and divine fidelity. This suggests a future where those who are righteous rejoice in God’s presence, contrasting the fate of the wicked.
Psalm 140 | King James Audio Bible
Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;
Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war.
They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders’ poison is under their lips. Selah.
Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.
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.
I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.
O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.
Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah.
As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again.
Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.
I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor.
Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.
Psalm 140 | King James Audio Bible
- Seeking Divine Protection: The psalmist seeks God’s protection from evil and violent individuals.
- Description Of Adversaries: The wicked are depicted as deceitful and dangerous, plotting harm and speaking lies.
- Trust In God’s Justice: There’s a strong belief in God’s power to deliver and vindicate the righteous.
- Prayer For Deliverance: A plea for God to intervene and shield the psalmist from the plots of the wicked.
- Confidence In God’s Support: The psalmist expresses confidence that God will uphold the cause of the afflicted and ensure justice for the righteous.
- Anticipation Of Divine Retribution: A hope that the wicked will face consequences for their actions, reinforcing the theme of divine justice.
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Saint Augustine opens with an exhortation to elevate our hearts: ‘Let our hearts ascend with him.’ Drawing from Colossians 3:1-2, he calls Christians to turn inward and upward—to orient the whole self toward heavenly things, not earthly distractions. This is not an abstract mystical piety, but a profound participation in Christ’s own heavenly life [ … ]
The poet describes himself as a ‘tenant’ to a ‘rich Lord’, establishing a relationship with God in terms of landlord and tenant. The poet indicates dissatisfaction with his spiritual ‘tenancy’, explaining that he has not ‘thrived’ in this role. Consequently, he decides to be ‘bold’ and approach God to ask for a ‘new, small-rented lease’, a metaphorical request for a fresh start or new terms in his relationship. The desire to ‘cancel the old’ lease reflects the poet’s wish to move beyond his past shortcomings and seek a more achievable agreement with God [ … ]
