Psalms 140 summary

This and the four following psalms are much of a piece, and the scope of them the same with many that we met with in the beginning and middle of the book of Psalms, though with but few of late. They were penned by David (as it should seem) when he was persecuted by Saul; one of them is said to be his "prayer when he was in the cave," and it is probable that all the rest were penned about the same time. In this psalm, I. David complains of the malice of his enemies, and prays to God to preserve him from them (Psa 140:1-5). II. He encourages himself in God as his God (Psa 140:6, Psa 140:7). III. He prays for, and prophesies, the destruction of his persecutors (Psa 140:8-11). IV. He assures all God's afflicted people that their troubles would in due time end well (Psa 140:12, Psa 140:13), with which assurance we must comfort ourselves, and one another, in singing this psalm. To the chief musician. A psalm of David.

Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).

1 To him that excelleth. A Psalme of David. Deliuer me, O Lord, from the euill man: preserue me from the cruel man:

2 Which imagine euill things in their heart, and make warre continually.

3 They haue sharpened their tongues like a serpent: adders poyson is vnder their lips. Selah.

4 Keepe mee, O Lord, from the handes of the wicked: preserue mee from the cruell man, which purposeth to cause my steppes to slide.

5 The proude haue layde a snare for me, and spred a nette with cordes in my pathway, and set grennes for me. Selah.

6 Therefore I saide vnto the Lord, Thou art my God: heare, O Lord, the voyce of my prayers.

7 O Lord God the strength of my saluation, thou hast couered mine head in the day of battel.

8 Let not the wicked haue his desire, O Lord: performe not his wicked thought, least they be proude. Selah.

9 As for the chiefe of them, that compasse me about, let the mischiefe of their owne lippes come vpon them.

10 Let coles fal vpon them: let him cast them into the fire, and into the deepe pits, that they rise not.

For the backbiter shall not be established vpon the earth: euill shall hunt the cruell man to destruction.