The psalm's serpent imagery in verses 3-4 ("sharpened tongues like a serpent" and "viper's poison under their lips") directly echoes Genesis 3's deception narrative, framing human enemies as extensions of primordial evil.
Psalms 140
Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies
1Deliver me, LORD, from evil men. Preserve me from violent men:
2those who devise mischief in their hearts. They continually gather themselves together for war.
3They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent. Viper’s poison is under their lips. Selah.
4LORD, keep me from the hands of the wicked. Preserve me from the violent men who have determined to trip my feet.
5The proud have hidden a snare for me, they have spread the cords of a net by the path. They have set traps for me. Selah.
6I said to the LORD, “You are my God.” Listen to the cry of my petitions, LORD.
7LORD, the Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.
8LORD, don’t grant the desires of the wicked. Don’t let their evil plans succeed, or they will become proud. Selah.
9As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.
10Let burning coals fall on them. Let them be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, from where they never rise.
11An evil speaker won’t be established in the earth. Evil will hunt the violent man to overthrow him.
12I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the needy.
13Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name. The upright will dwell in your presence.
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Theme
Psalm 140 is an urgent prayer for divine protection against violent enemies who plot harm through deceptive speech and hidden traps. The psalmist appeals to God as his refuge and strength, asking not only for personal deliverance but also for divine justice to prevent the wicked from succeeding in their schemes. The psalm concludes with confident assurance that God will uphold justice for the afflicted and that the righteous will ultimately dwell in God's presence.
Context
This individual lament continues the pattern of urgent prayers for deliverance found in the preceding psalms, particularly echoing themes from Psalm 139's concern with enemies and God's protective knowledge.
Key Themes
Outline
- 1-3 Plea for deliverance from violent enemies The psalmist cries out for protection from those who devise mischief and use poisonous speech like serpents.
- 4-5 Description of enemies' traps and schemes Details of how the wicked and proud have set snares, nets, and traps to ensnare the psalmist.
- 6-7 Declaration of trust in God's protection The psalmist affirms his relationship with God and recalls divine protection in past battles.
- 8-11 Prayer for divine justice against the wicked Request that God would not grant the desires of evildoers but instead turn their own schemes against them.
- 12-13 Confident assurance of God's justice Expression of certainty that God will maintain justice for the afflicted and that the righteous will dwell with Him.
Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies
140:1–140:13 poetry prayer urgent
A prayer for protection from violent enemies who plot harm, expressing confidence that God will deliver the righteous and bring justice to the afflicted.
structural
The psalm's serpent imagery in verses 3-4 ("sharpened tongues like a serpent" and "viper's poison under their lips") directly echoes Genesis 3's deception narrative, framing human enemies as extensions of primordial evil.