Ephesians 6:10-18
This passage on the armor of God complements Psalm 140 by providing practical steps for spiritual warfare.

Psalm 18:2
The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer echoes the theme of God as a protector.

Romans 12:19
Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath aligns with the call for divine justice in Psalm 140.Cry for Deliverance
David begins with an urgent plea for rescue from evil men. Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men. Protect me from violent men (Psalm 140:1). This highlights the importance of turning to God in times of distress.

Recognition of Evil Intent
David describes the wicked as those who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war all day long (Psalm 140:2). This acknowledgment of the enemy's intentions is crucial for understanding the nature of spiritual warfare.

God as Protector
The psalm emphasizes God's role as a shield and protector. O LORD, my Lord, my strong deliverer, You shield my head in the day of battle (Psalm 140:7). This reassures believers of God's unwavering protection.

Justice and Retribution
David calls for justice against the wicked, asking God to let the heads of those who surround me be covered with the trouble their lips have caused (Psalm 140:9). This reflects a desire for divine justice rather than personal vengeance.

Confidence in God's Justice
The psalm concludes with confidence in God's justice and care for the afflicted. Surely the righteous will praise Your name; the upright will dwell in Your presence (Psalm 140:13). This assurance encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate justice.Seek God's Protection
In times of trouble, actively seek God's protection and deliverance through prayer, just as David did.

Discernment of Evil
Be vigilant and discerning of the evil intentions around you, understanding that spiritual warfare is a reality.

Trust in God's Justice
Trust that God will bring justice in His time, and refrain from taking matters into your own hands.

Praise and Worship
Cultivate a heart of praise and worship, knowing that the righteous will ultimately dwell in God's presence.1. David
The psalmist and author of the psalm. He is the one praying to God for deliverance from evil men. David is traditionally understood to be the king of Israel and a man after God's own heart.

2. God (Yahweh)
Referred to as the LORD in the psalm, God is the one to whom David directs his prayer for protection and justice. The Hebrew name used is "Yahweh," which signifies the covenantal name of God, emphasizing His eternal and self-existent nature.

3. The Wicked
These are the evil men from whom David seeks deliverance. They are described as violent and deceitful, plotting against the righteous. The Hebrew term used for the wicked is "רָשָׁע" (rasha), which denotes those who are morally wrong or guilty.1. Presence of the Wicked
The psalmist speaks of being surrounded by evil men and violent individuals. This "place" is more of a situational context where the psalmist finds himself amidst those who plot harm (Psalm 140:1-2).

2. Paths of the Righteous
The psalmist refers to the paths or ways that the wicked attempt to ensnare. This can be seen as a metaphorical place where the righteous walk, which the wicked try to disrupt with traps and snares (Psalm 140:5).

3. Refuge in the Lord
The psalmist describes the Lord as his refuge, a place of safety and protection from adversaries. This is a spiritual place of security and trust in God's deliverance (Psalm 140:6-7).

4. Land of the Living
The psalmist expresses a desire to remain in the "land of the living," which symbolizes life and continued existence under God's care, contrasting with the threat of death posed by enemies (Psalm 140:13).1. Petition for Deliverance
David begins by asking God to rescue him from evil men and violent individuals. He seeks protection from those who devise evil plans in their hearts and continually stir up wars (Psalm 140:1-2).

2. Description of the Wicked
The psalmist describes the wicked as having tongues as sharp as serpents, with the poison of vipers on their lips (Psalm 140:3). This imagery highlights the deceitful and harmful nature of their words.

3. Request for Protection
David asks the Lord to keep him from the hands of the wicked and to protect him from violent men who plan to trip his feet (Psalm 140:4). The Hebrew root for "keep" (שָׁמַר, shamar) implies guarding or watching over.

4. Plotting of the Proud
The psalmist notes that the proud have hidden a snare for him, spreading out nets and setting traps along his path (Psalm 140:5). This reflects the intentional and cunning nature of their schemes.

5. Declaration of Trust in God
David expresses his trust in the Lord, acknowledging Him as his God and the strength of his salvation. He calls upon God to listen to his pleas for mercy (Psalm 140:6-7).

6. Prayer for Justice
The psalmist asks God not to grant the desires of the wicked or let their plans succeed, lest they become proud (Psalm 140:8). This reflects a desire for divine justice and the thwarting of evil intentions.

7. Imprecation Against the Wicked
David prays for the heads of those who surround him to be covered with the trouble their lips have caused. He asks for burning coals to fall upon them and for them to be cast into the fire (Psalm 140:9-10). This imprecatory prayer seeks retribution for their evil actions.

8. Confidence in God's Justice
The psalmist expresses confidence that God will uphold the cause of the afflicted and bring justice to the poor (Psalm 140:12). This assurance is rooted in the character of God as a righteous judge.

9. Anticipation of the Righteous' Praise
The psalm concludes with the expectation that the righteous will give thanks to God's name and that the upright will dwell in His presence (Psalm 140:13). This reflects a hopeful outlook for the future vindication and worship of the faithful.1. Prayer for Deliverance from Evil Men
The psalmist begins by asking God to rescue him from wicked and violent men. The Hebrew word for "rescue" (הַצִּילֵנִי, "hatzileni") emphasizes a plea for immediate and powerful intervention.
^"Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men. Protect me from violent men,"^ (Psalm 140:1).

2. Description of the Wicked
The psalmist describes the malicious intentions and deceitful nature of his enemies. The Hebrew term for "evil" (רָעִים, "ra'im") conveys a sense of moral corruption.
^"who devise evil in their hearts and stir up war all day long."^ (Psalm 140:2).

3. Metaphor of the Serpent
The wicked are likened to serpents, highlighting their cunning and dangerous nature. The imagery of a serpent is often associated with deceit and malice in biblical literature.
^"They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips."^ (Psalm 140:3).

4. Call for Divine Protection
The psalmist seeks God's protection against the traps and snares set by his enemies. The Hebrew word for "guard" (שָׁמְרֵנִי, "shomreni") implies vigilant and watchful care.
^"Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked. Keep me safe from violent men who scheme to make me stumble."^ (Psalm 140:4).

5. Confidence in God's Justice
The psalmist expresses trust in God's ability to uphold justice and defend the afflicted. The Hebrew root for "justice" (מִשְׁפָּט, "mishpat") underscores God's righteous judgment.
^"I know that the LORD upholds justice for the poor and defends the cause of the needy."^ (Psalm 140:12).

6. Imprecation Against the Wicked
The psalmist calls for God's judgment upon the wicked, asking that their evil plans backfire. This reflects the biblical principle of divine retribution.
^"May disaster hunt down the wicked."^ (Psalm 140:11).

7. Assurance of the Righteous' Future
The psalm concludes with an assurance that the righteous will dwell in God's presence, highlighting the ultimate hope and security found in God.
^"Surely the righteous will praise Your name; the upright will dwell in Your presence."^ (Psalm 140:13).1. Deliverance from Evil Men
The psalmist pleads for rescue from violent and wicked individuals. The Hebrew word for "evil" (רָעָה, ra'ah) emphasizes moral wickedness.
^“Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men. Protect me from violent men.”^ (Psalm 140:1)

2. Protection from Slander and Deceit
The psalmist seeks protection from those who use their tongues for harm, highlighting the destructive power of words. The Hebrew term for "tongue" (לָשׁוֹן, lashon) often implies deceit.
^“They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips.”^ (Psalm 140:3)

3. God as a Refuge
The psalmist acknowledges God as a source of strength and protection, a recurring theme in the Psalms. The Hebrew word for "refuge" (מָעוֹז, ma'oz) conveys a stronghold or fortress.
^“O LORD, my Lord, my strong deliverer, You shield my head in the day of battle.”^ (Psalm 140:7)

4. Divine Justice
The psalmist calls for God's justice against the wicked, trusting in divine retribution. The Hebrew root for "justice" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) underscores the legal and moral order.
^“Let the heads of those who surround me be covered with the trouble their lips have caused.”^ (Psalm 140:9)

5. Confidence in God's Righteousness
The psalmist expresses confidence that God will uphold the cause of the afflicted and the rights of the poor. The Hebrew word for "righteousness" (צֶדֶק, tsedeq) reflects God's moral integrity.
^“Surely the righteous will praise Your name; the upright will dwell in Your presence.”^ (Psalm 140:13)1. In Psalm 140:1, can we historically verify the “evil men” mentioned or are they purely metaphorical?

2. How does calling for coals of fire upon evildoers in Psalm 140:10 align with the concept of a merciful God?

3. If Psalm 140 is attributed to David, is there concrete evidence supporting his authorship, or could it be someone else?

4. Do verses like Psalm 140:9–10 contradict the New Testament teaching of loving one's enemies (e.g., Matthew 5:44)?

5. Is there any archeological or historical data to validate the specific conflicts described in Psalm 140, or are these events unsubstantiated?

1. How does the Psalmist describe the wicked in Psalm 140? How do these descriptions relate to situations you have encountered in your life?

2. What attributes of God does the Psalmist highlight in his prayer for deliverance?

3. How does the Psalmist portray the power of words in this Psalm?

4. How does Psalm 140 encourage you to respond to wickedness or adversity in your life?

5. How does this Psalm demonstrate dependence on God?

6. How does the Psalmist envision divine retribution for the wicked? How does this align with your understanding of God's justice?

7. In verse 12, the Psalmist declares his trust in God to maintain the cause of the afflicted. How can this perspective influence our actions towards injustice we see today?

8. What can we learn from the Psalmist's certainty of God's protection?

9. How does the Psalmist's prayer for deliverance inspire you in your personal prayers?

10. How does Psalm 140 challenge you to address the presence of evil in today's society?

11. In what ways does Psalm 140 inspire you to stand up for the rights of the needy and afflicted?

12. How can we apply the Psalmist's trust in God's justice to our daily lives?

13. The Psalmist believes that the righteous will live in God's presence. How does this belief influence his attitude towards adversity?

14. How can we find courage in God as our protector, as portrayed in Psalm 140?

15. In the face of adversity, how can this Psalm guide you in your prayers and actions?

16. What are some practical ways to counteract the wickedness described in this Psalm in our own communities?

17. How does the Psalmist's faith amid adversity inspire you in your spiritual journey?

18. What does Psalm 140 teach us about God's response to the prayers of the afflicted?

19. How can Psalm 140 help us maintain hope during difficult times?

20. In what ways can the promises of God's justice and protection, as seen in Psalm 140, shape our worldview and actions?